Aging brings along a number of symptoms, including effects on the feet. As you age, your feet and legs can present challenges affecting daily life.
Discover the various effects that aging can have on your feet here.
Dermatological issues
One of the earliest visible signs of aging appears in the skin, including on the feet. Aging skin manifests through:
- Brownish spots;
- Fissures in the feet;
- Hair loss on feet and toes;
- Buildup of corns and calluses;
- Frequent sores;
- Cracked heels;
- Quicker skin dryness.
These issues mainly stem from skin thinning and weakened durability. Regular foot checks for poorly healing lesions are advised, and podiatrist assistance is recommended if self-examination is difficult.
Available podiatry treatments include:
- Foot baths and emollient applications;
- Special moisturizers;
- Removal of corns and calluses;
- Therapeutic taping.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain prevalence increases with age, affecting up to 65% of seniors according to the Canadian Pain Society (CPS). Causes of foot and leg pain include:
- Health conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (big toe and knee), and diabetic foot;
- Foot deformities such as hammertoes, bunions, and acquired flatfoot;
- Deformed nails leading to issues like ingrown toenails or nail fungus.
Footwear can worsen pain, but podiatrists offer various treatments to relieve discomfort, including:
- Custom-made foot orthoses;
- Orthoplasty;
- Manual foot therapy;
- Orthopedic footwear designed for better fit;
- Corrective splints.
Locomotion difficulties
With aging, natural wear and tear cause loss of bone density, decreased muscle tone, and cartilage thinning causing mobility decline. This limits physical activity participation, promoting a sedentary lifestyle that increases risks of leg and foot problems, such as:
- Osteoporosis;
- Osteoarthritis;
- Altered posture;
- Greater fall risk;
- Plantar fasciitis;
- Joint pain in knees and ankles.
PiedReseau helps prevent and reduce the effects of aging on your feet
Professional help from PiedReseau podiatrists can diagnose and treat aging-related foot and leg issues. If you face challenges due to aging, consult a podiatry clinic today to improve your foot health and mobility.