As people age, they often concentrate on looking after their backs, knees, and hips, but neglect their feet.
Foot issues become more common later in life as a result of normal wear and tear.
As a result, appropriate foot care is critical for preserving mobility, independence, and general well-being in later life.
Podiatrist Molly Chilvers spoke with 'The Independent' about why foot health is so important later in life, and provided her best tips for keeping your feet in good shape.
What problems are associated with ageing feet?
“As we age, due to normal wear and tear, it is natural to develop more issues with our feet,” says Chilvers. “Also, as a result of the natural ageing process, due to a reduction in the number of sebaceous glands, the skin starts to become drier and fragile and loses its elasticity.
“We also start to lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet, and skin on the soles and heels can become dry and cracked.”
This in turn increases the likelihood of experiencing more issues with our feet as we get older.
“Common problems include hard skin otherwise known as calluses in areas of high pressure and friction, corns, fungal skin and nail infections, ingrown toenails, verrucas and cracked heels, also known as fissures,” notes Chilvers.
However, many of these problems can be prevented with a robust daily foot care regime, so here are seven essential foot care tips for older adults….
1. Keep toenails cut neatly and trimly
“Nails that become too long can press against the end of the shoe causing soreness, infection and ulceration,” highlights Chilvers. “Try not to be overzealous and cut toenails too short – or you risk them becoming ingrown, which can be very painful and may need treatment from a podiatrist.”
2. Check your feet and remember to moisturise
4. Keep your feet warm when it’s cold
“In colder weather, wear warm, thicker socks or fleece-lined slippers inside, or boots for when you are outdoors, but avoid anything too tight which can restrict your circulation or cramp your toes, bed socks are also a good idea.”
6. Let your feet breathe in the heat
“In the summer, it can be a good idea to take advantage of the warmer weather and let your feet breathe,” says Chilvers. “Wearing lightweight shoes such as sandals allows moisture to escape, which left trapped can cause unwanted conditions such as fungal nails or athlete’s foot, but vary your footwear choice.”
7. Maintain good hygiene
“Many foot care problems can be prevented with a robust daily footcare regime, so it’s important to maintain good hygiene for your feet such as washing and drying them thoroughly.”
When should people see professional advice about their foot health?
“If you’re concerned about your foot health, then book an appointment with an experienced podiatrist – look for a practitioner who is a member of The Royal College of Podiatry,” advises Chilvers.
Foot issues become more common later in life as a result of normal wear and tear.
As a result, appropriate foot care is critical for preserving mobility, independence, and general well-being in later life.
Podiatrist Molly Chilvers spoke with 'The Independent' about why foot health is so important later in life, and provided her best tips for keeping your feet in good shape.
What problems are associated with ageing feet?
“As we age, due to normal wear and tear, it is natural to develop more issues with our feet,” says Chilvers. “Also, as a result of the natural ageing process, due to a reduction in the number of sebaceous glands, the skin starts to become drier and fragile and loses its elasticity.
“We also start to lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet, and skin on the soles and heels can become dry and cracked.”
This in turn increases the likelihood of experiencing more issues with our feet as we get older.
“Common problems include hard skin otherwise known as calluses in areas of high pressure and friction, corns, fungal skin and nail infections, ingrown toenails, verrucas and cracked heels, also known as fissures,” notes Chilvers.
However, many of these problems can be prevented with a robust daily foot care regime, so here are seven essential foot care tips for older adults….
1. Keep toenails cut neatly and trimly
“Nails that become too long can press against the end of the shoe causing soreness, infection and ulceration,” highlights Chilvers. “Try not to be overzealous and cut toenails too short – or you risk them becoming ingrown, which can be very painful and may need treatment from a podiatrist.”
2. Check your feet and remember to moisturise
It is recommended to “Check your feet regularly, daily if necessary, and moisturise them to help keep them supple, as feet start to dry out and lose their natural oils as they age,”
3. Stay hydrated
“Keep hydrated with plenty of water or other fluids every day,” advises Chilvers.
4. Keep your feet warm when it’s cold
“In colder weather, wear warm, thicker socks or fleece-lined slippers inside, or boots for when you are outdoors, but avoid anything too tight which can restrict your circulation or cramp your toes, bed socks are also a good idea.”
5. Wear well-fitting shoes
“The older you get, the more important it is to wear a shoe that is comfortable, well-fitting and holds your foot firmly in place to give adequate support,” says Chilvers. “Ill-fitting shoes and poor footwear choices are a common cause of foot health issues – with pressure and friction leading to problems such as hard skin, cracked heels and calluses.
“The best shoes for your feet are the ones that fit comfortably in every dimension, depth, width and length according to your foot shape. Footwear that supports your ankle and midfoot when you walk or run, and shoes that are breathable, will help to maintain a healthy environment for your feet.”
“The best shoes for your feet are the ones that fit comfortably in every dimension, depth, width and length according to your foot shape. Footwear that supports your ankle and midfoot when you walk or run, and shoes that are breathable, will help to maintain a healthy environment for your feet.”
6. Let your feet breathe in the heat
“In the summer, it can be a good idea to take advantage of the warmer weather and let your feet breathe,” says Chilvers. “Wearing lightweight shoes such as sandals allows moisture to escape, which left trapped can cause unwanted conditions such as fungal nails or athlete’s foot, but vary your footwear choice.”
7. Maintain good hygiene
“Many foot care problems can be prevented with a robust daily footcare regime, so it’s important to maintain good hygiene for your feet such as washing and drying them thoroughly.”
When should people see professional advice about their foot health?
“If you’re concerned about your foot health, then book an appointment with an experienced podiatrist – look for a practitioner who is a member of The Royal College of Podiatry,” advises Chilvers.
“As we get older, an annual foot health check is as important as a sight or hearing test, because if left undiagnosed or untreated, a foot issue like a corn or bunion can become sore and painful, which then in turn can impact someone’s mobility and their overall quality of life.”
Words above from article here
It is especially important for diabetics to look after their feet, and you may be interested in reading these two posts:-
'Look After Your Feet : Diabetic Foot' : read it here
Diabetes and Cold Feet : Some Possible Causes and Treatment : read it here
Diabetes and Cold Feet : Some Possible Causes and Treatment : read it here
All the best Jan
35 comments:
...my career as a foot model is over!
Dear Jan, this is extremely informative and helpful! Thank you so much!
Great tips! My daughter has Raynaud's and so many of these are important for that as well. Thanks for sharing.
Such good tips, and as you said they are especially helpful for diabetics.
Good advice. :-)
Wonderful advise, I remember my grandma used to visit a foot care podiatrist regulary. It's important.
~Jo
All very good advice!
Gracias por los consejos. Te mando un beso.
What a great article Jan, another I am going to bookmark. We kind of take our feet for granted and this shows we shouldn't. Thank you so much and all the best :)
Very useful tips Jan.
Thank you very much!
Great tips, Jan!
My feet are numb since years. My doc told me not to care. I was in my early 40´s... By now I kinda got used to it, but I do take care. Sadly my parents are long gone, so no one to ask about this. On the plus-side: I got used to this.
I'm beginning to realise just how important foot health is. I'm very choosy about my footwear these days. X
Good advice there, Jan. I've got a sore corn must get it fixed, probably after Christmas.
Thank you so much, and as always, this post about feet is very interesting.
Happy December!
Best regards.
Buon mercoledì!Olga
These tips are a great reminder that caring for our feet is essential to staying mobile, comfortable, and independent as we age
Good advice!
Great advice and tips. Take care, have a great day!
I always put cream on my feet at night before bed, but it seems to do less for them in the summer than in the winter. Thanks for all this advice, and happy mid-week Jan.
Great tips!
Great advice!
Arch support is one of the big things I've noticed. It's not an issue for most people when they're young, but it's huge for those who are aging. That foot supports the whole body. Correct form/structure translates to the entire spine.
As always, good advice
Such great tips, Jan. Thank you so much.
Hi Jan! Those are mind kinda socks. And yes, so important to care for our feet. To keep ourselves healthy is such a good thing.
Wonderful article Jan. Both Mr. M. and I have a great podiatrist and foot care is something we both do on a daily basis. Have a nice day.
Very good information to have--thank you!
Great advice on foot care. Thanks
Yes this is good advice.
Good advice.
I have all kinds of problems with the bones in my feet and I have bad arthritis in my feet, but I do try to take care of what I can
Good advice and a timely reminder as to how important caring for our feet can be to our health.
Mi marido es diabetico y se cuida muy bien los pies, vamos los dos al podologo. Besos.
My foot trouble at present is a twisted ankle.
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