There’s no denying that our bodies change as we get older, but many of us do not realise how important it is to pay attention to our feet as we age. Our feet work very hard throughout our lifetime, supporting our body weight and carrying us around. Remembering to care for our feet can help to prevent painful foot conditions and ensure that we maintain good health so we can stay active for longer.
Here at Foot Solutions, we are always on hand to advise our customers how to keep their feet in great shape. We recommend a daily footcare routine, and we can help you find the best shoes for every occasion so that you can keep your feet comfortable and supported all day long.
How To Take Care Of Ageing Feet
As we age, the skin on our feet loses moisture, and the collagen that pads the soles of the feet tends to thin. This increases the likelihood of many painful foot problems, and being aware of these can help you to prevent them.
Arthritis. Arthritis is fairly common in old age, and the loss of collagen in the feet can make this a problem area. The foot is made up of many joints that can be affected, and wearing good, supportive shoes and taking exercise to keep the feet supple is an important way to keep feet healthy as you age.
Tendonitis. Problems with the tendons in the feet are more likely as we get older, because the tendons tighten as water content decreases with age. The risks of tearing or rupturing the tendons is higher, and it can be helpful to take regular, gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming, and ensure that you do specific stretching exercises to help prevent this problem.
Circulation problems. Vein diseases or diabetes can reduce the flow of blood to the feet, which can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. You should check your feet daily for any damaged areas, and have these treated straight away. If you have diabetes, you should be able to talk to your care team about specialist foot care.
Cracked heels. Dry and cracked heels are a very common problem, especially amongst women, and this can worsen with age as collagen in the skin naturally decreases. We recommend keeping your skin well hydrated with a healthy diet and plenty of fresh water, and a good footcare routine that includes a rich moisturising cream.
Nail infections. Nail infections are another foot problem that is often experienced by women, and this is sometimes a result of the menopause, which can cause feet to sweat more and lead to fungal infections. Nails also tend to become drier as we age, which can lead to rigid, brittle nails that are prone to cracking. Ensure that your diet includes plenty of healthy omega 3 fats and moisturise your nails with almond oil to prevent this.
Resolve Foot Problems With Comfortable Shoes in Ireland
Wearing the right shoes for your feet will help to prevent foot problems and keep your feet healthy. Visit Foot Solutions for professional fitting advice and measuring, and let our experienced staff find the best options for you and your lifestyle.
