5 Common Effects Of Ageing On Your Feet
Apr 21 , 2021
Tags - Effects of Ageing on Feet
Inevitably, ageing will take its toll on your feet - as with the rest of your body.
Given that we spend a lot of our lifetime on our feet, it’s easy to understand why problems occur with age.
In fact, we can spend the equivalent of 4 laps around the globe during our lifespan.
Naturally, as we get older the production of collagen begins to slow and these changes can lead to stability problems.
This blog investigates 5 common problems and why they occur.
1. Cracked Heels
Dry and cracked heels are a common problem in older people.
As skin matures, less oil and elastin is produced - which means skin is left drier.
Overtime, your heels may harden, begin to crack and then hurt.
Don’t worry, cracked heels can be reversed with the help of special creams, use of a pumice stone and applying a moisturising lotion daily.
Let’s say they’re really bad, your doctor can prescribe a stronger ointment.
2. Ingrown Toenails
Overtime, the big toe (or the others) nails begin to grow into the skin, and although can happen at any age, it is more common in older folks.
Unfortunately, ingrown toenails are painful and can actually hurt, swell and possibly get infected.
To prevent this, avoid wearing tight shoes and cutting your nails too short.
3. Gout
Gout is especially common amongst the elderly and is a form of inflammatory arthritis.
Often, gout is charcterised by sudden attacks of pain, swelling and tenderness in one or more joints - often the big toe.
To prevent gout, you must maintain a healthy lifesyle and keep urate levels low.
In extreme cases, your doctor may prescribe medicine to ease the swelling.
But, regular exercise, lower consumption of red meat and alcohol and drinking lots of water can ease the pain too.
4. Athritis
Arthirtis that’s caused by wear and tear (osteoarthritis) - your joints will undoubtedly wear down over time.
It’s likely that by the time you reach your 50th birthday, you might have walked over 75,000 miles.
Of course, this amount of stress on feet will cause wear and tear.
As a result, your bones will wear against each other and cause discomfort.
- Heel bone, inner foot bone and outer foot bone
- Joint between big toe and foot
- Joint where ankle and shinbone meet
To add relief, you can pain relievers, through physiotherapy and buying special insoles to support your ankle and foot - comfortable shoes are key!
5. Bunions
Bunions are formed on the inside part of the foot near the big toe joint.
And, over time added pressure causes the bones to collide and cause pain - although some may not experience any soreness.
Although they can be removed with surgery, you can easily make life more comfortable by investing in well-fitted shoes.
Furthermore, you can ice your foot daily or purchase bunion pads over the counter and arch supports for your shoes.
Closing Remarks
In the end, feet are prone to develop a range of age-reltedd issue.
Generally, people notice the effects of ageing on their feet over any other area because feet are crucial to everyday mobility.
It’s important to look after our feet as early as possible to prevent issues later on.
To find out more get in touch.
In the meantime, check our range of comfortable shoes.
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