It’s Healthy Aging Month: 7 Ways to Care for Your Aging Feet

September is Healthy Aging Month! And while everyone says you should always “put your best foot forward,” what does that mean for our feet as we get older? Foot care is essential at all ages but showing your feet more TLC as you age can help keep you pain-free and mobile. By doing so, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities like shopping, working in the yard, and going for long walks. In today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing ways to care for your feet so you can remain active as you age.

It's particularly important to proactively take extra care of your feet as you age. If you're like most of the people we see in our office, you only think about your feet when they feel discomfort or pain. But the truth is that caring for your feet daily will help prevent problems like athlete's foot or blisters.

Here are seven things you should do daily to keep your feet healthy as you age.

1. For good hygiene, wash and dry your feet thoroughly each day.
2. Change your socks daily.
3. Always keep the outsides and insides of your shoes clean.
4. Wear properly fitted shoes. Wearing the right shoes makes all the difference in proper foot health. There are numerous common conditions like over-or under-pronation and flat feet that can be addressed with the correct shoes. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) advises that the right footwear can improve your balance to help avoid falls. Wear well-cushioned, roomy shoes without narrow-toe boxes or large heels. Your toes shouldn't feel restricted. For a perfect fit, when shopping for shoes, bring or wear the type of socks you plan on wearing with them.
5. Don’t walk barefoot, especially in public areas.
6. Examine your feet for blisters, sores, painful areas, bumps, cracked skin, and other problems.
7. Care for your toenails regularly by trimming them at least once every couple of weeks. Trim your toenails straight across and keep them at a sufficient length to avoid ingrown nails and other issues.

Try Orthotics to Boost Your Foot Health

If you suffer from arthritis or any other chronic foot disorder, your podiatrist might suggest shoe inserts or orthotics. These customized inserts will ease foot pain, correct structural issues, and allow you to walk more comfortably. Committing to regular foot hygiene, protecting your feet from extreme temperatures, and remaining active will help minimize injury, keep your feet healthy, and encourage healthy blood flow.

To prevent many conditions that ail aging feet, start a healthy foot care program today. Your feet are the foundation for the rest of your body, and maintaining your foot health is the first step toward healthy aging.

If you experience chronic foot pain or think you may have a foot condition, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, today to make an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.