Healthy Aging: 7 Ways to Care for Your Aging Feet

Did you know that by the age of 50, the average person has enough steps equal to walking around the entire world three times? No wonder our feet get so tired! After years of faithful service, our feet need extra care and love.  

Because it’s Healthy Aging Month, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, shares his 7 top tips for taking care of your aging feet:

1. Pamper the skin on your feet. As we get older, our foot skin becomes drier and thinner. After a bath or shower, treat your feet to a massage with your favorite moisturizing cream or lotion. Use an exfoliating foot scrub on the rough spots. 

2. Enjoy a relaxing soak. Just add a couple of drops of essential oils or ½ cup Epsom salt to warm water. Immerse your feet for 10 to 15 minutes, then dry them with a soft towel being sure to dry well between the toes.

3. Wear properly fitting shoes. Our feet become a bit longer and wider as we get older. So recheck your size when shopping for new shoes. Shop for shoes later in the day as our feet tend to swell as the day progresses. 

4. Care for your toenails. Trim toenails keeping the edges aligned with the tips of the toes. Because nails become more brittle as we age, they’re typically easier to trim after a foot soak. Be sure to cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.

5. Enjoy your exercise. The joints and bones in our feet are more disposed to injury as we age. Keep up your physical activity including low-impact exercises. 

6. Examine your feet regularly. Check your feet regularly for cracks, rash, itching, peeling skin, thickened/yellowed toenails, or signs of a fungal infection.

7. Never, ever ignore pain. In spite of all we’ve put our feet through over the years, they shouldn’t be in pain. Having sore feet is not a normal part of aging, so please don’t ignore it!

If you’re experiencing foot pain, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA to schedule a consultation. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.