Best Foot Forward

Editorial Staff

Proper foot care is an important factor in healthy aging.

Posted September 9, 2011

Forget aging gracefully. For today’s baby boomers, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy and active as they age. While growing older causes some unavoidable body changes, more boomers are focusing on healthy lifestyles that can help them prevent problems associated with aging—like mobility issues related to the feet and legs.

Impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people, according to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

“Foot problems are a health concern that can lead to further complications like knee, hip and lower-back pain, all of which undermine mobility,” says Michael King, DPM, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “The human foot has been called the mirror of health. Systemic problems often related to age, such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease often can first be detected in the feet.”

Fortunately, boomers can do a lot to maintain and even improve their foot health. APMA offers this advice to keep your feet pain free:

Keep walking

Walking offers many benefits for both physical and mental health. If your feet hurt, however, you may find yourself less willing to get in the daily walking that’s good for your overall well-being. To keep your walking regimen comfortable be sure to:

• Choose a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials like leather or nylon mesh. The heel counter should be firm, and the shoe heel should have less cushioning in order to position the foot’s heel closer to the ground for stability. The front of the shoe should offer adequate support but also be flexible. For a list of footwear that have been awarded APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, visit www.apma.org/seal.

• Shoe shop in the late afternoon, since feet swell throughout the day, and have both feet professionally fitted. Wear the type of socks you intend to wear while walking and be sure the shoe fits snugly, but not tightly, over the sock. Your toes should have plenty of room to move around.

Deal with diabetes

Diabetes symptoms often appear in the feet first, and the extremities can be hit hard by this chronic disease. In fact, diabetes complications lead to more than 65,000 lower limb amputations each year. Including a podiatrist in your diabetes care can reduce the risk of amputation up to 85 percent.

Learn to recognize warning signs that often appear in the feet, including changes in skin color, swelling, numbness, pain, open sores that heal slowly, ingrown or fungal toenails, bleeding corns and calluses and dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heels.

If you have diabetes, inspect your feet daily for cuts, bruises, sores or changes to the toenails. Wear thick, soft socks without seams that could rub or cause blisters. Always have new shoes properly fitted and never go barefoot, not even in your own home.

Manage arthritis

Arthritis can affect the structure and function of your feet. Common symptoms in the feet include joint swelling, joint pain or tenderness, redness or heat in joints, limited movement, early morning stiffness, and skin changes, including rashes and growths.

Podiatrists are often the first to diagnose a patient’s arthritis. Treatment can take many forms, including physical therapy, exercise, and medication. Receiving regular check-ups are vital to successfully managing the condition.

General foot health

In addition to shoes that fit properly, it’s important to choose socks, pantyhose or stockings that also fit well and are free of seams.

If you have corns or calluses, never cut them with a razor, pocket knife or other sharp instrument. If corns or calluses are present, consult a podiatrist and only use over-the-counter foot products if he or she advises it.

Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water with a mild soap that contains moisturizers, or use a separate moisturizer after your bath. Trim or file toenails straight across and inspect your feet every day. If you notice redness, swelling, cracks in the skin or sores, see your podiatrist.

Taking care of your feet can makeaging a little easier and healthier. To find a podiatrist near you, visit APMA.org or TodaysPodiatrist.com.

Article source: ARA Content.