FOOT HEALTH AND AGING

Since the early 1900's life expectancy of the average American has increased by about 30 years. Older persons are becoming an increasingly significant proportion of our total population. People today are living well into there 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

If older people are to live useful and productive lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a key to independence that is cherished by our aging population, and foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for them to work or participate in social and recreational activities.

The human foot has been called the mirror of health. Foot doctors, or doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM), are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease in the feet. Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness, and discoloration. Always seek professional care when these signs appear.

Foot problems can be prevented. Many older people believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that could be treated.

There are hundreds of different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for an aging population, most of these ailments occur from the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved.

Whether due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in feet. As persons age, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty cushioning on the bottom of the feet. Additional weight gain can affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than presuming that their shoes remain a constant size throughout life. Dry skin and brittle nails are other conditions older people commonly face. Finally, it is a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits.

FOOT HEALTH TIPS

  • Properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that don't fit right, and cause serious foot problems.
  • A shoe with a firm sole and supportive upper is best for daily activities.
  • Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day.
  • Walking is a great exercise for your feet.
  • Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such sharp instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist especially if you are a diabetic.
  • Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers.
  • Trim or file your toenails straight across.
  • Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist.
  • Have your feet examined by a podiatrist at least twice a year.
This website is maintained to facilitate access to information about foot health and to provide information about footcare products. The content of this website, such as text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace the services of a trained health care professional or to be a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified physician or other appropriate health care professional. You should consult your own physician or other appropriate health care provider on specific medical questions, including matters requiring diagnosis, treatment or medical assistance.