Some Problems Your Feet Might Develop As You Age And How To Deal With Them

Posted on: 18 December 2019

You've probably dealt with foot pain occasionally throughout the years. If you wear shoes that are too tight or if you're on your feet all day, your feet may be tired and sore until they've recovered. As you get older, your foot problems may become more common. That's because issues that come with age, such as dry skin or poor circulation can affect your feet. Here are some problems you might develop as you get older and how to deal with them.

Loss Of Sensation In Your Feet

If you develop diabetes or atherosclerosis that causes poor circulation in your legs and feet, you might lose some sensation in your feet. This puts you at a higher risk of serious injury since you may not realize you've cut your foot or stepped on a splinter. A loss of feeling and decreased circulation makes you more susceptible to infections, and wounds can take longer to heal. One thing you can do is always wear protective shoes even when you're at home. Walking barefoot is risky since you could step on something and injure the bottom of your foot. By wearing shoes all the time, your feet have some protection.

Also, manage your medical conditions as best you can with the help of your doctor so your blood sugar and cardiovascular problems are under control. A podiatrist can check your feet for a loss of feeling and monitor the progression of your condition. When your circulation is severely limited, you may need to have a podiatrist trim your nails and examine your feet regularly to watch for signs of ulcers and infections that you may not notice.

Pain When You Walk

If you have pain when you walk, whether it's in your heel or the arch of your foot, let a podiatrist know. If your foot pain is too bad, you may begin limiting your activities and that can interfere with your social life and enjoyment. Podiatrists will diagnose your foot pain and treat it so you can stay active and mobile as you age. Sometimes, changing the style of shoes you wear and putting orthotics in your shoes can make a difference in the amount of foot pain you have.

Dry Skin and Infections

Dry skin might become an issue as you age, especially if you have trouble drinking enough water daily. The skin on your feet can get cracked and scaly. This is not only unattractive it can also be bothersome. Cracks in your skin put you at risk of a skin infection, so you'll want to keep your skin supple without keeping your feet damp. Dampness is a different problem that can lead to fungus infections. Always wear clean, dry socks to reduce your risk of infections and remember to wear shoes at a public pool or gym to prevent picking up a fungus. Your podiatrist can recommend treatments for cracked heels and severely dry skin so the skin on your feet stays healthy. 

Share