The Impact of Aging on Your Feet
By Sara Butler
When was the last time you really considered the health of your feet? If you're not currently having issues, they're easy to overlook all the way down there. Still, your feet are your foundation and because of that, age impacts their health just like everything else. Here are some of the most common problems you should be on the lookout for when it comes to your feet as you get older.
Skin Problems
Changes occur in your skin as you get older (hello, wrinkles!). Skin often has reduced collagen production, thinning, and decreased cell turnover. That pretty much means you'll have wrinkly feet that don't heal very fast. You're also likely to encounter these skin issues:
- Dry skin - Your feet deal with a lot of physical stress getting you around all day, but the soles of the feet can become especially dry, leading to cracking or a rash. The fat pad on the bottom of the foot diminishes too, leading to increased pain and sensitivity due to lack of proper cushioning.
- Seborrheic keratosis - This is a skin condition that causes dark, slightly raised lesions on the skin. These lesions aren't dangerous to your health, but they can be itchy. Make sure to have them checked out by your medical provider to make sure they're not something more serious.
Toenail Changes
Your toenails can become more brittle with age or thicker, making them more difficult to cut. Fungal infections can also strike since the nail grows a lot slower. If you have any changes to your toenails that alarm you, talk to a medical professional.
Orthopedic Issues
Your feet are complicated structures and after years of taking punishment day in and day out, you may notice changes in the shape and size of your feet. It's not unusual for you to go up a size as you get older. This is due to changes in the tendons and ligaments in the foot from the aging process. The arches can fall and an increased chance of injury can also be a problem.
Arthritis
It's not unusual to develop arthritis in the feet, ankles, and even your big toe as you get older. This can make any problems with gout, bunions, or hammertoe even worse. If you are experiencing pain in the joints in your feet, don't write it off. It may be a condition you can improve with the help of your chiropractor.
The feet are often overlooked, but it's important to pay attention to changes as you age so you can care for them the right way!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Jacksonville, Fla.