7 Things that happen to Your Feet as You Get Older

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!