Aging Feet? Tips To Help Improve Foot Health As You Age
Posted on: 22 September 2018
By the time most Americans reach their senior years, their feet are showing serious signs of wear and tear. The human foot is a very complex design, consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and a wealth of musculature, ligature, and tendons capable of carrying heavy loads and going extreme distances.
But like all parts of the human body, age and usage levels create stress that can affect health and function. If you have noticed increasing amounts of foot pain or other issues with your feet as you grow older, the following tips can help you reverse the damage and improve your foot health as you continue to age.
Rid your body of excess weight
The small bones and joints found in your feet must bear the pressure of your body's weight each time you stand, walk, or move about. Losing excess weight is one of the best ways of lessening this stress and helping your feet feel better and remain healthy for longer.
Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes
Another key element in eliminating foot pain and helping your feet grow older more gracefully is to purchase and wear supportive, well-fitting shoes. While flip-flops and canvas sneakers may feel comfortable when you slip them on, they do nothing to help support the foot and equalize the load on each one.
Opting for well-designed, supportive shoes instead of high heels or clunky sandals will also help in other ways by improving your posture and making healthy mobility easier to achieve as you grow older.
Provide excellent foot hygiene and care
Providing proper foot care, including hygiene, nail trimming, and wound care are increasingly critical to foot health with each passing year. People who develop health issues, including diabetes and circulation issues, may find that sores and cuts on their feet heal less quickly than they once did. In addition, the risk of infection and complications from foot wounds becomes far greater because of poorer circulation in the feet and legs. By taking time each day to wash, dry, and inspect your feet for potential problems, you are far more likely to enjoy better foot health as you age.
Have regular podiatrist appointments
Regular examinations of your feet by a reputable podiatrist is one of the best ways to ensure that your feet will remain in optimal condition as you grow older. A podiatrist is trained to spot early signs of many common foot problems and provide the care directives needed to correct them. If you are growing older and want to ensure your feet are healthy and up to the challenge, making an appointment with a podiatrist is an excellent starting point.
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