Foot Health and Aging

News / November 23, 2021

Our feet carrying a heavy load over the course of our lifetime. Foot health is extremely important as we age to allow us to lead happy, fulfilling, and active lives. Most people will experience some kind of foot pain in their lifetime, but unfortunately as we get older the chances of developing some kind of problem increases. It can be debilitating, leading to inactivity, and ultimately causing a whole host of other issues. Weakened feet can lead to instability and recurring falls. Although some natural changes are inevitable, such as weakening of the tendons and ligaments, there are ways to slow this down.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your feet healthy as you age.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

As weight increases, so does your chance of developing foot pain. Even just a few extra pounds puts added stress on the feet. Once you develop these foot issues it can be very difficult to lose the weight as your foot pain will keep you sidelined from physical activity.

2. Moisturize

Skin can lose its elasticity and ability to maintain moisture when you get older resulting in dry cracked feet. This can lead to bacterial infections and bleeding. Try to clean and moisturize daily, especially those heels!

3. Don’t ignore pain

As soon as you feel pain, contact your physician. Many don’t address their issue until the pain becomes unbearable. This often results in a more serious injury and a long, slow recovery.

4. Strengthen and stretch

Our feet lose strength and flexibility as we age. Gone are the days of running barefoot in the park! Over-protective, ill-fitting shoes can cause weakening and problems in the feet. Do daily exercises to help strengthen to muscles in the feet. Stretch the calf muscles to increase flexibility in the ankle. Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it up. Do this at least 10 times on each foot. Use the same towel to wrap around your foot. Pull towards your body until you feel a good calf stretch and hold for 30 seconds. Do this on both feet.

5. Wear proper fitting shoes

Unfortunately, many of us fall victim to fashion. We choose painful high heels, flip flops, or wing tips no matter what the cost. Throw those foot coffins out the window and opt for better fitting shoes! An excellent option is to wear Barefoot Shoes. These minimalist shoes give you the feeling of walking barefoot and can increase foot strength, flexibility, and posture. Our feet tend to widen as we get older. The wide toe box of a barefoot shoe lets your toes splay out which is not only more comfortable but can give you better balance as well. Leguano Barefoot Shoes produces a superior barefoot shoe that are handmade in Germany and can benefit your foot health.