Problems with your feet can plague you as you grow older. Your feet get a lot of wear and tear. They literally carry you everywhere you go, and all that walking, running, jogging, and dancing can lead to foot difficulties.
What can you do to help maintain and protect your feet? Can you lessen the impact of a lifetime of constant use?
If you have foot problems what can you do about them?
Dry Skin
This is a common complaint from seniors. Dry skin in general is a problem, but it can really affect the soles of your feet.
The cause hasn’t been totally isolated, but many believe that diet, weight, and lifestyle can lead to dry skin. The skin on the soles of your feet is thicker than other parts of your body, and as you age this skin thins and loses some of its elasticity. The bottom of your feet don’t get much circulation, as a result, they are prone to developing rough dry skin.
It can get to the point where cracked skin around the heel, can make it painful to walk or stand.
You can use a foot file to remove dead skin, dirt and callouses. There are many moisturising creams with the ability to nurture and provide nutrients to your skin. Look for ones that contain hyaluronic acid and skin-repairing organic proteins.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is another common foot issue for seniors. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is the ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot and acts as arch support.
The condition tends to develop as a result of overuse of this ligament. It can also be caused by micro tears in the fascia tissue.
You are more prone to this ailment if you are overweight. It affects athletes and other active individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet.
You might experience relief with rest, icing, and stretching. Orthotic insoles for your shoes could prove to be a benefit.
Arthritis
A swelling or tenderness of one or more of your joints is an indicator of arthritis. Ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage breaks down over time. When bones don’t have cartilage to protect them they can fragment and cause spurs which cause pain and stiffness in the joint.
Arthritis can be treated non-surgically with good orthotics for your shoes. Regular massage and physical therapy can help restore circulation and strengthen your muscles. They help to reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint mobility.
For severe cases, medication, steroids or even surgery have shown to be effective.
If you pursue medical treatment for any arthritic condition, do so only with a licensed physician.
A common theme in preventing age-related disease of all kinds is to live a healthy lifestyle. By maintaining a healthy weight and limiting activities such as drinking and smoking you can do a lot to improve and maintain your health as you age.
Staying active, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding high-impact activities have all been shown to contribute to healthy ageing.
