Your feet may be the most overused and under appreciated part of your body. Consider this: A moderately active person will walk about 7,500-10,000 steps per day. By the time you reach your mid-60s, that equates to hundreds of millions of steps taken during your lifetime. As you age, the daily wear and tear that you put on your feet can accumulate, increasing the risk for foot problems.
Thankfully, many common foot ailments can be easily avoided. Fungal infections, corns, calluses, bunions and ingrown toenails can all be prevented with basic foot care. For example, keep your feet clean and dry to prevent infections, and make sure you cut straight across your nail to avoid an ingrown toenail. Bunions are more frequent in women and can also be genetic. If properly addressed and treated early they may not cause further complications, but surgery could still be necessary.
Wearing proper footwear can make a big difference in preventing aging feet. One foot is often larger than the other, so make sure that the shoes fit both of your feet. Low-heeled shoes are more not only comfortable, but safer and less likely to damage your feet. Remember that the older we get our feet may change in size, so make sure to have your feet properly measured and your shoes fitted before you buy them.
Some foot ailments, such as bruises, sores and temperature differences can be signs of more serious conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. If you exhibit persistent issues with your feet, be sure to see your doctor to get the necessary treatment.
Remember that as you age, foot care and regular foot checks are an essential part of your overall health. If it has been more than a year since your last foot checkup, talk to your doctor.
