OUR AGING FEET

When was the last time you tried to do your daily activities without using your feet? The general purpose of the foot is to support the body when standing and to act as a lever in walking by pressing against a surface and propelling the body into action. On average, a person walks about 4 miles a day. Mobility is vital to the sense of independence we all cherish. Foot problems in older people are usually an accumulation of years of neglect and mistreatment. The nails grow thicker, the skin gets drier, corns, calluses, bunions and other foot ailments are more likely to trouble people in later years.

WHAT HAPPENS?

The human foot is constructed of 26 bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments and contains blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves. As people age, their bodies change. Blood may not circulate as efficiently. Since feet are far from the heart, they are apt to suffer first from poor circulation. Blood vessels may become lined with deposits which cause loss of elasticity. The decreased blood flow results in a loss of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the feet. Good circulation is essential to preventing infection and promoting healing. Anti-coagulants, such as aspirin, disrupt the healing process and impair the immune system. Older people often have nail(s) problems due to other health related conditions. Common changes to toenails can include: thickened, curved, discolored, infected, clubbed pitted and grooved. Older people usually do not have the strength, skill, eyesight, or tools for toenail maintenance. Bone and ligament changes cause painful ailments such as hammertoes, bunions, corns and calluses. Loss of the fatty pad that cushions the bottom of the foot can be painful. If corns, calluses, and malformed nails are neglected, they can act like a foreign object. This can result in the breakdown of the skin allowing infection(s) to enter. This situation is very dangerous for people with diabetes or nerve damage. Skin will break down and allow infection to enter without the person's knowledge. Lack of medical attention can result in limb amputation.

These pains and ailments can be managed and avoided. Provide our seniors with a better quality of life. Get peace of mind by using this podiatric service.

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Sunset Foot Clinic Quality Personalized Service

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Comprehensive foot and ankle history and podiatric physical examination

Portable supplies with sterile instruments

Formatted and standardized documentation to satisfy Medicare and American Medical Association documentation requirements

In-service lectures about foot health available upon request for medical professionals and interested community groups

Affordable rates

Health insurance pre-authorization not required for conducting service

PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICE

Comprehensive foot and ankle podiatric history and physical examination

Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial soap wash (as needed)

Gentle reduction of nails (as needed)

Gentle reduction of corns and calluses (as needed)

Foot padding and or lamb wool application (as needed)

Lotion application to feet (as needed)

Other foot care services available (as needed)

INSURANCE CARRIERS

Medicare

Preferred Provider Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon

Participating Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon

Lifewise

ODS Health Plans

Any Carrier not requiring specialist listing for coverage

FEE FOR SERVICE

More than one patient at same single location = $40 per patient

Single patient visit for Palliative Care Service = $60

fee subject to update