Our feet carry us thousands of miles throughout our lives, so it’s no surprise they start to show signs of wear and tear as we age. From joint stiffness and dry skin to bunions and balance issues, foot problems can creep up gradually, often without us realising. The good news is that with a few proactive steps, you can keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and mobile well into later life.
Here’s how to give your feet the care and attention they deserve.
1. Keep Your Feet Active
Just like the rest of your body, your feet benefit from regular movement. Simple exercises can help maintain flexibility, strength, and circulation. Try:
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Pointing and flexing your toes daily.
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Rolling a tennis ball under your arch to stretch the plantar fascia.
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Lifting marbles with your toes to strengthen smaller muscles.
Staying active through walking, swimming, or gentle stretches also helps maintain joint mobility and blood flow.
2. Choose Supportive Footwear
Wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to prevent problems. As we age, the natural fat padding under our feet thins, and arches can drop, leading to discomfort. Look for shoes that:
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Have good arch support and a cushioned sole.
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Fit properly with enough room in the toe box.
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Offer firm heel support to improve stability.
Avoid flat, flimsy shoes and high heels, which can cause imbalance, pain, or deformities like bunions.
If you’re unsure about your shoe type, a podiatrist can recommend footwear suited to your foot shape and walking style.
3. Moisturise Daily
Older skin tends to become thinner and drier, especially on the feet. This can lead to cracks, calluses, and painful fissures. Apply a foot cream or urea-based moisturiser daily, focusing on the heels and soles. Avoid putting cream between the toes to prevent excess moisture and fungal growth.
4. Maintain Healthy Toenails
Thickened or brittle toenails are common with age. To prevent problems:
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Cut nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
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File regularly to keep edges smooth.
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Seek help from a podiatrist if nails become difficult to trim or discoloured.
Professional nail care can also help detect early signs of fungal infection or circulation problems.
5. Check Your Feet Regularly
As sensation in the feet can diminish with age, especially in those with diabetes or poor circulation, it’s important to inspect your feet daily. Look for:
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Redness, swelling, or cuts
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Corns, calluses, or hard skin
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Changes in colour or temperature
If you notice wounds that aren’t healing or changes in shape, seek professional advice promptly.
6. Manage Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions can affect foot health, including arthritis, diabetes, and poor circulation. Managing these effectively through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular check-ups is key. Diabetic patients, in particular, should see a podiatrist for routine assessments to reduce the risk of ulcers or infections.
7. Prioritise Balance and Stability
Falls are more common as we age, and foot problems are often part of the cause. Strengthening your feet and ankles helps improve balance. Wearing supportive shoes indoors rather than slippers or going barefoot can also reduce fall risks.
8. Schedule Regular Podiatry Visits
Regular visits to a podiatrist can help detect and treat issues early before they develop into painful problems. From nail care and corn removal to biomechanical assessments, podiatry plays a vital role in keeping you active and independent.
Conclusion
Foot problems are not an inevitable part of ageing — with good habits, supportive footwear, and regular check-ups, you can maintain healthy, pain-free feet well into later life. If you’re noticing discomfort, changes in your feet, or just want expert advice on keeping them in top condition, Louisa Seymour Podiatry is here to help.
