People often associate wrinkles and vision problems with aging, but aging also impacts foot health, making mobility harder and sometimes causing chronic discomfort. Here are 4 tips for seniors to reduce aging effects on foot health and maintain healthy feet.
1. Opt for well-adapted footwear
Aging can cause foot deformities like hammertoes or hallux valgus, making old shoes ill-fitting. Proper footwear should:
- Support heels without excessive height
- Allow freedom for the toes
- Enable heat and moisture dissipation
- Fit snugly to prevent slipping
- Use Velcro fastenings instead of laces
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for seniors with reduced autonomy to prevent falls. Orthopedic heel inserts or custom foot orthoses can also provide relief.
2. Keep active
A sedentary lifestyle accelerates aging effects on feet. There’s a link between inactivity, age, and foot conditions such as decreased flexibility, toe deformities, bunions, acquired flat foot, obesity, bone density loss, and postural changes.
Activities like gardening, walking, bowling, or yoga offer safe ways to stay active without high injury risks.
3. Consider foot care
Dermatological issues become frequent with age. Seniors should watch for lesions, infections, ulcers, corns or calluses, dry or overly moist skin, ingrown nails, and foot mycosis.
Early detection of sores is crucial, especially for those with cardiovascular disease or diabetic foot. A daily foot care routine includes:
- Soaking and washing feet with mild, fragrance-free soap
- Checking soles and toes during washing
- Air drying feet while inspecting toenails
- Applying fragrance-free moisturizing cream
4. Regularly consult your podiatrist
If self-care is difficult or foot problems arise, a medical professional such as a podiatrist can help. They diagnose plantar pathologies and offer treatments including:
- Prescribing foot orthoses or orthopedic shoes
- Minor and bone surgeries
- Cortisone injections for osteoarthritis pain
- Professional foot care including toenail and skin treatments