With every year, the effects of aging on the feet becomes more apparent, leading to various problems. The aging process causes a loss of springiness, strength, and resilience in the feet. With age, the tendons in the feet lose their stretch, reducing the foot's ability to absorb impacts. Additionally, wear and tear can develop in the joints between the bones, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. The bones in your feet also tend to thin with age, making them more fragile. Conditions like osteoporosis can exacerbate this thinning, along with factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, and poor vitamin D intake. The padding under the balls of the feet may shift over time, especially in individuals who frequently wear high heels or have rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in conditions like metatarsalgia and callus formation. Dry skin can also occur due to the reduced fatty layer, leading to cracked heels and calluses. Toenails often become thicker and more brittle as they grow older, primarily due to a slowing of their growth. Further, the aging process can affect the blood supply to the feet, reducing the foot's ability to quickly repair minor injuries. For help with any of the foot-related problems that may affect you as you age, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.