Given all the stresses and strains our feet endure, it's a wonder they don’t rebel. But sometimes they do, especially as we age. And because this is Healthy Aging Month, today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA is sharing information regarding changes you can expect to see in your feet as you age.
Here are six things you should know about your aging feet.
- Obesity can raise your risk of having foot pain. As a person’s body weight increases from the normal range to obesity, the odds that they will experience foot pain as they age are also escalated.
- Loss of fat on your feet can make you more susceptible to foot pain. The fat under our feet absorbs shock when walking or running. In some cases, as patient ages, that padding can deteriorate. When this happens, custom orthotics are typically recommended to help wherever extra padding is needed.
- A compromised blood flow, can cause foot pain or make existing pain even worse. There are several issues that can affect blood flow, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, smoking, or blood clots.
- Foot conditions are more common with age. Fungal infections, calluses and corns, bunions, and hammertoes can develop at any age. But some foot conditions become more common as we get older. If you have pain or swelling in the foot that persists, it’s time for a visit to your podiatrist.
- Disregarding your feet can create pain elsewhere. When shopping for footwear, always have your feet measured. Even though the rest of your body may have stopped growing a long time ago, you need to have your feet measured on a regular basis.
- Tend to your feet each day. Clean your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, then apply a moisturizer to prevent cracked skin. Also, examine your feet each day, looking for sores, blisters, wounds, or calluses or corns.
Even if you don't have any issues with your aging feet, it’s important that you have your feet checked regularly. Visit your podiatrist whenever you notice changes in the function or appearance of your feet. They might be telling you that you have a health condition that needs attention.
You and your feet are in the best hands with Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA – call us today at (425) 455-0936 to schedule your next appointment.
