This article explores what happens to our feet as we age, the issues that may arise, and how podiatry may be able to assist. For personalised advice, contact our team at Foot Health Clinic today.
What Happens to Feet as They Age?
Maintaining healthy feet is a crucial part of maintaining mobility, independence, and overall well-being at any age, especially as we get older. As we age, changes in our feet occur and may impact our comfort and mobility more easily than before.
One of the most common changes in our feet is the cushioning pads losing their fat, especially on the heels and balls of the feet. This may make walking more painful, as there’s less cushioning to absorb the shock of your feet touching the ground. With this comes the possibility of injury, whether you’re running a marathon or going for a walk around the block.
Another common concern is skin cracking. Much like the skin on the rest of your body, the skin on your feet becomes thinner and less elastic as you age. This increases the possibility of it becoming dry and cracking, which leaves the broken skin prone to infections and injuries.
You may also experience bone deformities, such as bunions, or arthritis, both of which may make getting around on your feet more challenging. Meanwhile, nails may become thicker and more brittle, which often makes them harder to trim, potentially leading to issues like ingrown toenails and fungal infections.
Whether you experience one of the above, some of them, or all of them, these changes have the ability to significantly affect your foot health. Without proper care, this may increase your risk of falling, which tends to be more dangerous in older age.
Can Foot Issues be Addressed in Older Age?
In many cases, common foot issues such as these may be addressed and improved with regular maintenance, podiatry care, and lifestyle adjustments. For example, wearing properly fitting shoes or custom orthotics may help to reduce pressure on your feet and potentially reduce pain caused by conditions like arthritis, bunions, and flat feet.
Some things you may be able to do for your foot health at home are:
- Wear properly-fitted shoes
- Keep your feet clean, dry, and moisturised
- Trim your toenails properly (straight across without rounding the edges)
- Check your feet regularly for any changes
- Avoid going barefoot if you have reduced circulation or diabetes
However, some people may find once simple tasks more challenging with age. Inspecting your feet and cutting your toenails may be more difficult due to reduced flexibility, eyesight issues, or mobility problems, making it harder to maintain foot health.
How Podiatrists Aim to Help Seniors
This is where podiatry steps in! If you experience any issues that make it harder for you to keep up with your foot health, a podiatrist should be your first step. Podiatrists are experienced in addressing foot issues with a wide range of patients, including seniors, and aim to ensure your feet remain in their best possible condition.
Routine podiatry appointments are recommended as we age, when our foot health becomes even more crucial to helping us remain active and independent. Seeing a podiatrist regularly may help with early detection and treatment of foot issues before they become severe, which is especially important for seniors who tend to be more susceptible to conditions such as ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and fungal infections.
Podiatrists may be able to assist with:
- Nail trimming
- Callus removal
- Footwear advice
- Recommending exercises to improve foot mobility and strength
- Custom orthotics
For seniors with chronic conditions like diabetes, podiatry care becomes even more crucial. Diabetes may lead to reduced circulation and nerve damage in the feet, which may make it harder for a person to detect injuries or infections. A small cut or ulcer may go unnoticed without regular podiatry care, potentially leading to infections and further complications. However, an experienced podiatrist aims to spot these issues and prevent future problems before they become severe.
With professional foot care from a podiatrist, seniors may continue to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle well into their later years.
Step Into Foot Health Clinic
Your feet work hard throughout your entire life, so make sure you pay them back! Maintaining good foot health through regular podiatry check-ups, wearing the right footwear, and keeping up with foot hygiene may help to keep you mobile for many years to come. If you’re experiencing any foot pain or having difficulty managing your foot care, speak to us at Foot Health Clinic today— our aim is to keep your feet happy and healthy through every phase of your life.
