ARTHRITIC FEET AND TOES
As we age, so do our feet. Here are a few common foot complaints that come with aging feet.
Over time our built-in insoles due to collagen and elastin cushions, start to thin. Due to the thinning of your footpads, you will feel fine in the morning but at the end of the day, you will be in pain. To prevent pain, wear cushioned, comfortable shoes with gel pads if needed. Collagen also helps to keep our feet plump and when the collagen supply decreases, it leads to dry and cracked feet. Be proactive and stay hydrated and use a foot moisturizer daily.
Arthritis is another infliction of old age. It will most likely hit your big toe causing pain and stiffness. To prevent, do some exercises, start wearing shoe inserts and lose weight if you are carrying around extra.
Your toes might start to curve and stay that way. After years of stuffing your feet into high heels, you elevate your risk of hammertoes, which are permanent bends in your toes. To prevent hammertoes, use padded insoles and wear shoes that fit. You do not have to give up your high heels, but reduce wearing them to only on special occasions.
As we age, our circulation slows causing cuts to heal slower. Watch out for cuts that do not heal on your feet because it might be a sign of a greater health problem. Inspect your feet regularly for cuts and scrapes. Go to your podiatrist promptly to receive treatment.
Our tendons tighten with age and this places you at greater risk for tears and ruptures. However, staying active will help to keep your tendons loose. As our tendons tighten, our ligaments start to lengthen and our sensors that alert our brains that our ligaments are over-stretching stop working. This can make you prone to recurring ankle sprains. Ask a podiatrist about preventing ankle sprains and they can recommend a brace or ankle-strengthening exercises.
At River Podiatry, we strive to bring you the best options for your optimal foot health. Our highly trained staff and doctors understand that feet and toe injuries are painful and want to give you a pain-free existence. Click here to set up an appointment with our team at River Podiatry.
River Podiatry, with offices in Pearl River NY and Midland Park NJ, provides individualized and comprehensive, treatment for patients suffering from various foot health issues. The practice specializes in foot and ankle surgery, as well as diabetic wound care. Make an appointment today with podiatrist and surgeon Dr. Han!
