How Your Foot Health Changes as You Age

If you're over 40, should you see your podiatrist in Sterling Heights, MI, annually? The answer is yes because as we age, foot health changes. Read some information from Dr. Kyle Sundblad and Dr. Samantha Gibson at Advanced Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. They value podiatric health and how it impacts mobility and quality of life over time.

My feet hurt

It's a common complaint heard by your podiatrists at Advanced Foot, Ankle & Wound Care in Sterling Heights, MI. As a matter of fact, Maturitas reports that one in four Americans over 45 routinely has foot pain. Startling, isn't it? Yet, most of these people do not have concerning conditions such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, major podiatric health concerns.

Instead, adults experience foot and ankle pain due to:

• Arthritis
• Thinned footpads (fat deposits which serve as natural shock absorbers on the balls of the feet and across the arches and heels)
• Obesity often leads to ankle instability, plantar fasciitis, and bunions
• Dry skin
• Athlete's foot
• Ingrown toenails

Reasons why aging changes our feet

Time and wear and tear impact our lower extremities. Each of your feet contains 26 bones and a network of joints, ligaments, and tendons. Over time, the connective tissues thin, stiffen, and cannot provide the support and stability they once did. Feet become flatter, wider, and in some cases, a bit longer, and they do not spring back after vigorous activity such as running, dancing, or playing tennis.

Solutions for aging feet

At Advanced Foot, Ankle & Wound Care, our foot doctors recommend these measures to relieve pain and to keep feet and ankles functional:

1. Lose weight. It is easier to gain weight with age. But, don't let that number on the scale get out of control, or your feet will suffer.
2. Look at your feet daily. Keep them clean, and moisturize them to avoid cracking.
3. Trim your nails properly--straight across the toe and never rounding the corners.
4. Stretch your toes, feet, and calves daily. Ask Dr. Gibson or Dr. Sundblad for a regimen of gentle stretches.
5. Wear good shoes. Ditch the flip-flops, and don shoes that fit properly and provide good support for the arches.
6. Stay active. Exercise improves circulation and flexibility and increases bone strength. Take up cardio activities such as swimming and cycling which do not jar joints.
7. See your podiatrist right away if you have an injury or see a change in foot shape and color or skin texture.

Just pay attention to your feet

They'll feel better, and so will you. For a complete and friendly podiatric exam, please call Advanced Foot, Ankle & Wound Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Dr. Sundblad and Dr. Gibson are highly trained podiatrists who will take good care of you. Phone today: (586) 731-7873.