How to care for your feet as you age

We are an aging population!

Does this worry you? Well, if you’re around 45 years and younger, probably not! Those who are older are more likely to be as they start to see their body change.  

For an Australian born between 2014 and 2016, the life expectancy was 80.4 years for a boy and 84.6 years for a girl. It has increased by about 12 years since 1970 and the trend is continuing.

It’s looking good people.

Anyway, why are you telling me this and what has it got to do with feet?

Do you realise that your feet are the furthest body part from your heart? Did you know that some blood vessels in your feet are only 1 blood cell thick? So yes, a podiatrist can tell from your feet if there is a problem with your general health and even some medications.

Is there anything I can do on my own to keep my feet healthy? Yes!

1. Wash and thoroughly dry them, concentrating on the interdigital spaces. Moisture can get trapped easily and they require some attention to keep clean.
2. Is your skin friable, losing elasticity or dry? Use a moisturiser. If you can’t be bothered to do it every day, try an emollient with a urea base. Yes, I recommend it! As a humectant, it draws water to the cells so you are less likely to get a skin tear.
3. Are you in pain? Don’t just put it down to getting older - get checked! The way you walk can affect your feet, knees, hips and lower back. Optimise your walk, optimise your gait and optimise your life.

Get checked by a podiatrist, get the remedy and live your life to the fullest.

About Dan Everson Podiatry

We are a team of experienced podiatrists with locations all along the Sunshine Coast with locations in Caloundra, Taringa, Deception Bay, Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosa. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment at one of our clinics, then simply contact us today.