How To Keep Your Feet Healthy As You Age

How to Keep Your Feet Healthy as You Age

As we get older, our feet go through changes just like the rest of our bodies. They bear the brunt of our daily activities, from walking to standing, making it essential to prioritize foot health, especially as we age. Healthy feet are key to maintaining mobility, independence, and overall well-being. So, whether you’re already experiencing foot issues or simply looking to prevent them, here’s how to keep your feet in top condition as you age.

1. Prioritise Proper Foot Hygiene

Maintaining clean, dry feet is the foundation of good foot health. With age, skin can become more susceptible to infections, so practicing good hygiene is crucial:

Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, ensuring you clean between your toes.Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Apply a moisturisng cream to your feet (but avoid the areas between your toes) to keep skin soft and prevent cracking, which can lead to infections. At The Foot Care Shop we stock a great range of products to help keep your feet feeling great such as our Tea Tree Foot Soak.

2. Wear Supportive Footwear

The right shoes are essential for maintaining foot health as you age. Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can lead to a host of problems, including bunions, corns, calluses, and even falls. Here’s what to look for in a good pair of shoes:

Cushioning: Choose shoes with a padded insole to absorb shock and reduce pressure on your joints.Arch support: Proper arch support helps prevent foot pain and conditions like plantar fasciitis.Roomy toe box: Tight shoes can lead to painful conditions like bunions or hammertoes, so choose footwear that gives your toes plenty of room to move.Non-slip soles: As balance may become less stable with age, shoes with non-slip soles can help prevent falls.

If necessary, consult a podiatrist about custom orthotics to provide extra support and improve foot alignment.

3. Keep Your Nails Trimmed

Nail care is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of maintaining foot health. Untrimmed or improperly cut nails can lead to painful ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Here’s how to manage your toenails:

Trim your nails straight across to prevent them from growing into the surrounding skin.Avoid cutting nails too short, as this can increase the risk of ingrown nails.If you have difficulty reaching or seeing your feet, consider visiting a podiatrist for regular nail care.

If you are having difficulty with thickened fungal nails The Foot Care Shop has a great range of products to help.

4. Stay Active

Physical activity not only keeps your body healthy but also improves circulation to your feet. Good circulation is vital for preventing foot problems such as swelling, poor healing, and cold feet, which are common as we age. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help keep your feet strong and flexible.

Stretching exercises, particularly for the calves and ankles, can also help maintain flexibility and reduce foot pain. For example, try rolling a tennis ball under your foot to massage the arch and strengthen muscles.

Of course if you are suffering from arch or heel pain then you may require extra support with the addition of insoles or orthotics. At The Foot Care Shop we sell a great range of supportive insoles.

5. Watch for Changes and Address Foot Issues Early

As you age, it’s important to keep an eye on any changes in your feet, such as swelling, pain, or discoloration. Common foot problems that can arise with age include:

Bunions: Bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, often caused by wearing tight shoes.

Hammertoes: A condition where toes bend into a claw-like position due to muscle imbalances.Corns and calluses: Thickened areas of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction, often from ill-fitting shoes.

Arthritis: Pain and stiffness in the joints, including those in the feet.

Don’t ignore these issues. Treating them early can prevent more serious complications. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or any noticeable changes in your feet, see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

6. Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues can have a significant impact on foot health as we age. For example, diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), which makes it harder to feel injuries or infections in the feet. If you have a chronic condition, regular foot exams and proper management are essential:

Diabetes: Inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, or blisters, as you may not feel injuries due to reduced sensation.Arthritis: Keep your feet moving and perform gentle stretches to ease stiffness and maintain joint flexibility.Circulatory issues: Elevate your feet when sitting to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.

Work with your podiatrist to create a foot care plan tailored to your specific needs.

7. Keep Your Feet Moisturised – But Not Too Moist

As you age, your skin becomes drier, including the skin on your feet. Applying a moisturiser can help prevent dry, cracked heels, which can lead to painful infections. However, avoid applying lotion between your toes as this can create a moist environment that fosters fungal growth.

8. Regular Podiatrist Checkups

Finally, regular visits to a podiatrist are crucial, especially as you age. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat foot issues early before they become more serious. Regular checkups also ensure that your feet are in good health, even if you don’t have any noticeable symptoms.

Conclusion

Taking care of your feet as you age is essential for staying active, mobile, and independent. By practicing good foot hygiene, wearing supportive footwear, staying active, and addressing issues early, you can keep your feet healthy and strong for years to come. Don’t forget to consult a podiatrist regularly to ensure that your feet are getting the care they need. Your feet work hard for you—give them the attention they deserve!