Our feet will carry us around 110,000 miles throughout our life – that’s over 216,000 steps! It’s certainly no wonder that as we age, our feet begin to experience challenges. Because September is Healthy Aging Month, today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing information regarding what you need to know about your feet as you age.
Examples of the most common foot issues for the elderly include the following:
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect various joints, and the feet are no exception. Women are more at risk for the condition as they age.
Additional risk factors include:
Past injury to the ankle or foot;
Obesity;
Bunions;
Gout: This condition is an autoimmune disease that can cause excruciating pain and discomfort due to amassed acid crystals surrounding a joint, most often in the big toe.
Dry Skin: When left untreated, dry skin on the feet can cause discomfort when walking and allow bacteria to form, raising the possibility of an infection. Moisturizing your feet regularly before the skin becomes cracked often helps.
Flat Feet: Flat feet produces swelling and pain within the inner ankle and the arch of the foot. In some cases, it also causes these symptoms, upward through the lower back, knee, and hip. It can cause a senior to have stability and balance issues and increase the possibility of sprains in the ankles and feet.
Toenail Changes: As we age, toenails often get thicker and become more brittle, making them more difficult to clip. They also often develop ridges and cracks and change in color.
Condensed Achilles Tendon: The Achilles tendon can lose water in the aging process, which can shorten them and make them more susceptible to tears or ruptures, substantially less flexible, and create a flat-footed gait.
Make the first step to improving the foot health of your senior loved one! Contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a consultation. Call our office today at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.
