How Your Feet May Change as You Age
Your feet experience the same effects of aging as the other parts of your body. It is simple to understand why foot issues may arise, considering the amount of strain we exert on our feet and ankles throughout our lives. Your bones, ligaments, and tendons will function differently due to physiological changes in addition to ordinary wear and tear.
Here are some conditions that occur as we age:
- Cushioning
Growing older frequently results in weight gain and fat accumulation. Nevertheless, the bottom of your feet is one location where you may lose cushioning, also known as fat pads. You need the soft layer to shield your feet and legs from everyday hammering. Consequently, the heel and base of your foot might start hurting. Cushioned shoes or orthotics, which are made-to-order shoe inserts, may be beneficial. Or else, your foot specialist could advise another course of action, like fat pad replacement with filler injections.
- Flat Feet
As we age, the supportive tendons and ligaments in our feet get compromised, causing our arches to collapse gradually, resulting in flat feet. Flat feet can change your foot’s angle, leading to issues like overpronation, heel pain, lack of strength in your tendons, and more.
- Arthritis
Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is a very common condition that develops with age. The big toe and ankle joints are frequently affected by this, as they become stiff due to constant wear and tear. A podiatrist can provide treatments as well as suggest some at-home remedies to relieve arthritis pain. When you begin to encounter symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a podiatrist to help you manage arthritis.
Collagen not only cushions your feet but also adds volume to your skin. Your feet are more likely to crack and dry out as the supply decreases. Drinking enough water and using a moisturizer twice a day as a habit helps keep the skin hydrated. The frequency of water intake and moisturizing is often overlooked by the seniors. As a result, their skin becomes dry and starts to crack, exposing them to the risk of infections, cuts, and wounds.
Podiatrists encourage elderly patients to express their worries and discuss potential treatments for their foot conditions in order to prevent pain and discomfort. If you are facing any foot-related issues or are concerned about your feet in general, consult a podiatrist without delay. At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.
