They've
taken us everywhere from our very first step to this morning's run.
Almost everything about our body transforms in that period of time, so
it's no surprise that our feet also undergo certain alterations.
Here are a few common foot complaints that may arise with age.
Fat vanishes
We
have built-in insoles—elastin and collagen cushions, stuffed inside
adipose tissue, on the bottom of both the feet. However, with age,
production of collagen reduces through the years, reducing the thickness
of the fat pads.
Without
the cushioning, the feet may feel normal in the morning, but as the day
passes you may have pain as you are practically walking on bones.
Arthritis
Our
feet have more than thirty joints. All these joints start to degenerate
as we age. Arthritis normally strikes the mid-foot joints or the big
toe on the foot’s top. Apart from pain, you may feel a little stiff
during the morning that tends to get better once you start your day,
then again starts to worsen at night. Proper exercise, shoe inserts, and
losing excess weight may help.
Toes curl up
Years
of wearing high heels increases your chances of permanent bends,
hammertoes, and the like. What may begin as a mild discomfort, can turn
into a painful problem. Unsightly calluses and corns can also erupt as
the crooked toes begin to rub against the shoes.
For
preventing and easing hammertoes, make sure to cover calluses and corns
with padding and wear shoes that have wider toe boxes.
Blood circulation slows down
Vein
disease, diabetes, and other such conditions can slow down the blood
flow to the feet. This makes any cut or blister on the foot slower to
heal.
In case you suffer from any of the health conditions mentioned above, speak to a podiatrist. Make sure you inspect your feet on a regular basis for scrapes and cuts, and seek foot treatment promptly.
Tendons tighten
The
content of water in your tendons starts to decline as you age,
stiffening the ankle cords. This places you at risk for ruptures and
tears. Staying active can help to counteract the effects
of the problem. In case you ever had an Achilles tendon, strengthening
exercises can prevent a relapse.
Ligaments lengthen
Connective
tissues known as ligaments may stretch over a period of time, leaving
the arch in pain and the foot flatter. Moreover, sensors that usually
alerts the brain that the foot ligaments are over straining start to
weaken. This can make you prone to recurring ankle sprains.
Drying of the skin
Apart
from cushioning the foot’s bottom, collagen also helps in pumping up
the skin. Reduced supply can leave the feet parched and susceptible to
cracking and dryness.
Keep
your feet in good condition by making sure you stay hydrated and
exercise daily. It is also important to eat healthy food and visit a
podiatrist regularly to make sure you enjoy healthy feet!
