Caring for your feet is always important, and that is especially true as you get older. The feet go through some changes as we age. Think about it – we put a lot of stress on our feet every day, expecting them to carry our weight as we walk and run around. Naturally, this will take a toll.
This constant load on our feet eventually leads to strain on the feet and inflammatory conditions. As we get older, these conditions tend to get worse. You might experience pain and discomfort. The pain might even be severe enough to limit your activities and impact your lifestyle.
Staying active is important for your health, regardless of your age. Unfortunately, many seniors experience troubles with their feet that preventing them from living an active life. In order to stay healthy and happy, it is vital that seniors, like any other age group, are able to move about comfortably. Mobility is the key to independence, and most every senior wants to remain independent as they get older.
It is important to pay attention to your feet and how they feel. The symptoms that you experience in your feet are often the first indicators of systemic problems, like diabetes, circulatory disease, and arthritis. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Dry skin on the feet;
- Brittle toenails;
- Sensation of burning and tingling in the feet;
- Sensation of cold or numbness in the feet;
- Discoloration of the feet;
- Loss of flexibility;
- Loss of stability; and
- Decrease of the fat pad on the bottom of the feet.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about them.
Causes of Foot Conditions
Foot problems in the geriatric age group are often the result of issues that developed in younger years. Things like weight, activity level, and gait patterns can factor into foot problems later on. You can help to prevent foot problems by maintaining a healthy weight and staying active.
Perhaps because foot pain is such a common complaint, many people believe that it is normal to experience foot pain. People accept foot pain is just a part of life, and they endure it instead of looking for a solution. Often, foot pain is the result of not caring for your feet for many years.
There are many different types of foot conditions, and in many cases, they can be treated successfully. You don’t have to tolerate foot pain; in some cases, you can get rid of it.
Prevention
Prevention is the best cure. Whether you currently experience foot pain or not, there are a few simple steps that you can take to care for your feet and prevent problems. Follow these easy steps.
- Check your feet daily for sores or cuts. Look between the toes for signs of infection. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, use a long handled mirror.
- Apply moisturizing lotion to your feet to keep the skin supple. Do not apply moisturizer between the toes, though.
- Cut your toenails straight across.
- Always wear socks with your shoes.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. If you have bunions or hammertoes, choose shoes that have a wide, deep toe box.
- Consider using arch supports or orthotic devices to provide you with extra stability and support.
If you have begun to experience some foot pain as you get older, stop in and talk with the experts at Foot Solutions UK. The professionals here will assess your needs and recommend footwear & arch support options that may help to reduce or eliminate your pain and keep you mobile and active.
