Caracterização dos problemas relacionados aos pés de idosos de uma comunidade em município do interior do Estado de São Paulo

Abstract

Os problemas com os pés dos idosos, embora frequentes, são pouco reconhecidos e valorizados como uma condição que requer cuidados adequados. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar as características dos problemas com os pés de idosos de uma comunidade. Trata-se de estudo descritivo realizado com 50 idosos pertencentes à área de abrangência de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família. Foi aplicado um instrumento que avalia condições gerais de saúde e específicas relacionadas aos pés. Constatou-se que a maioria era do gênero feminino e pertencente às classes socioeconômicas consideradas pobre e muito pobre. Os problemas de saúde mais frequentes foram a acuidade visual diminuída, hipertensão arterial sistêmica e dor em diferentes regiões do corpo. Na avaliação dos pés, constatam-se alterações nos pulsos; unhas compridas, deformadas e grossas; pele seca e com hiperqueratose; diminuição da sensibilidade dolorosa e vibratória. Além disso, 70% dos idosos referiram que as dores nos pés limitavam as atividades cotidianas. Depreende-se que tais situações, embora se trate de uma condição específica, revelam a intensidade dos problemas que envolvem essa parcela da população e a importância de uma atenção mais pormenorizada, o que demanda investimentos na formação de profissionais de saúde e desenvolvimento de ações interdisciplinares, com novos olhares e pressupostos de atendimento, tendo como foco a promoção da saúde.

Functional limitations related to foot pain in the elderly

“…Similar results were shown on a Danish study, which revealed highest means among the female elderly (16.6) compared to the male elderly (14.7) (12) . These findings are consistent with the relevant literature (6,(10)(11)(12)(13) , which show compliance that women not only develop, but also verbalize more often pain in the feet than men. This is related, among other things, to the type of shoes worn throughout life, which increase the likelihood of developing foot problems.…”

“…In this study, it was shown that 99.1% of seniors reported, at least on an item, difficulties in carrying out the proposed activities on most days. These results converge with findings in a research (11) conducted with elderly residents in the city of São Paulo, which used the same instrument, showing that 70% of respondents expressed some sort of discomfort due to pain in the feet.…”

Foot changes of hospitalized elderly individuals: a careful look at nursing

“…These results are higher than those obtained in a study performed with 50 elderly individuals in a Family Health Unit of a city in the countryside of the state of São Paulo, 7 which found that 38 (76%) elderly individuals had calluses, 29 (58%) had dry skin, 20 (40%) had decreased sensitivity, and ten (20%) had hallux valgus.…”

“…A study performed in 2014 that aimed to observe the characteristics of foot problems in 50 elderly individuals living in an area covered by a Family Health Unit in a city located in the countryside of São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil, found that pulse changes; long, deformed and thick nails; thick skin with hyperkeratosis; decrease in pain and vibration sensitivity; and foot pain restricted activities of daily living in 70% of elderly individuals. 7 In addition to pain, discomfort, postural instability and walking disorders, foot changes, especially those that bring more evident deformities, can contribute to social isolation, resulting in functional reduction in these elderly individuals and negatively affecting their quality of life. 8 In view of this situation, foot assessment and health professionals' knowledge about the characteristics and changes in elderly feet can promote the implementation of adequate interventions and instructions on self-care, aiming to prevent the occurrence of outcomes with a high psychological, social and economic cost that directly reflect on the loss of independence of elderly individuals.…”

Changes to the feet of institutionalized elderly persons

“…Among factors that contribute to the increase of onychomycosis in the feet, the use of closed shoes and socks for prolonged periods of time, irrespective of the season, can cause disease of the nail bed and subsequent invasion to the nail plate. This suggests a need for care and guidance for caregivers and the elderly themselves regarding foot care for this and the other pathologies identified, even if not prevalent 3,10,11 .…”