Ageing is a natural part of life, and after carrying you through millions of steps, your feet can start to show signs of wear. But just because your feet are ageing doesn’t mean you can’t keep them healthy. With the right care, maintenance, and regular check-ups, you can continue to enjoy comfortable and mobile feet as you age.
What Happens to Feet as They Age?
As you get older, your feet undergo several changes:
- Loss of Cushioning: You can lose some of the soft tissue fat in the pads of your heels and the balls of your feet, making walking less comfortable.
- Thinner Skin: Just like the skin on your face, the skin on your feet loses elasticity, becoming thinner and more prone to injury.
- Bone Deformities: Conditions like bunions or arthritis can develop, making foot care more challenging and sometimes leading to an increased risk of falls.
- Nail Changes: Toenails often become more brittle, thicker, and harder to trim, which can lead to ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and other issues.
Can Foot Problems Be Improved?
Yes, many foot problems in older adults can be managed and improved with proper care. Key steps include:
- Regular Maintenance: Keep nails trimmed, skin moisturised, and check your feet for any signs of issues.
- Keeping Weight Down: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on your feet.
- Cushioned Insoles: Adding extra padding can provide comfort and help with the loss of natural cushioning.
- Shoe Modifications: As your feet change, ensure your shoes are comfortable, fit properly, and provide support.
If you have difficulty reaching your feet due to poor eyesight or limited mobility, ask a family member for help or schedule a visit to a podiatrist for routine foot maintenance. For trimming your nails, use strong clippers and cut just short of the toe, smoothing the nails with a file afterward.
Foot Health Tips for Ageing Feet
Here are some practical tips for keeping your feet healthy and comfortable as you age:
- Wear Properly Fitted Shoes: Shoes that hold your foot firmly and offer support are essential. Avoid floppy or worn-out shoes that can cause instability and increase your risk of falls.
- Choose Shoes with Firm Soles: Shoes with a firm sole and a soft upper that can be buckled, strapped, or laced to your foot are best for daily wear.
- Walk Regularly: Walking is a great exercise for most people’s feet.
- Avoid Going Barefoot: If you have reduced circulation, diabetes, or less fatty padding under your feet, avoid walking barefoot, even at home.
- Don’t Self-Treat Corns or Calluses: Avoid cutting corns and calluses with razors or knives. Use podiatrist-recommended treatments only.
- Wash and Moisturise Daily: Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water with a mild soap, then apply a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.
- Trim Toenails Properly: Keep nails trimmed just short of the end of the toe and file them slightly curved.
- Inspect Your Feet Daily: Check for any redness, cracks, sores, or other issues. If you notice anything unusual, consult a podiatrist.
- Regular Podiatrist Check-ups: Have your feet examined by a podiatrist at least once a year, especially if you struggle with self-care.
Your Feet: Mirrors of Health
Did you know that the condition of your feet can provide early signs of other health problems? Your feet can reflect the onset of conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or circulatory disease. That’s why your feet are sometimes referred to as the “mirror of health.”
Be on the lookout for warning signs such as:
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Cold feet
- Numbness
- Discoloration
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a podiatrist to address any underlying health issues.
When to See a Podiatrist
Regular check-ups with a podiatrist are especially important as you age, particularly if you struggle to take care of your feet or don’t have help. If nails grow too long or become infected, this can lead to further complications, especially if you have diabetes, which increases the risk of serious infections.
Taking good care of your feet helps you stay active and mobile, which is crucial for your overall well-being as you age. Don’t wait until there’s a problem—routine foot care and check-ups can make all the difference in maintaining healthy feet.
With these tips and proper podiatrist approved footcare products from footfeet, you can keep your feet comfortable and in good shape for years to come. Take care of your feet—they’ve taken care of you! See below for links to for some of our highly recommended products for more mature soles:
Cushioning Insoles & Socks:
Silipos SoftZone silicone insoles
Emily Braidwood Flats insoles
Silipos Arthritic/Diabetic 2mm Gel Sock
Moisturising Treatments for Dry, Brittle Nails:
Dr.'s Remedy Hydration Clear Moisturising Nail Treatment with Pentavitin
Akileine Nail Repair Cream
Akileine's Onykoleine - purifying solution for fragile nails
Treatments for Thickened Nails:
Enovia Toenail Therapy Gel (for rough, thickened nails)
Gehwol med Nail Softener
Deeply moisturising foot lotions for mature skin & very dry feet:
Walker's Urea 15% Foot Lotion
Akileine® Blue Nutri-Repair Cream for mature skin & very dry feet
Gehwol Fusskrafraft Blue - intensive moisturising cream for dry, rough & tired feet
Restorate Intensive Foot Balm (9% urea)