Introduction:
Aging is an inevitable process that affects every part of the body. Aging takes a toll on the feet just as it does on the rest of the body. The feet are the part of the body that is exposed to the most stress in a lifetime. Besides wear and tear, some other physiological changes affect the functioning of joints, bones, and tendons. These changes are seen mostly because of the slowed-down production of collagen. If the skin starts getting thinner, the fatty layer cushioning the soles and heels will also become thinner. These age-related problems give rise to stability problems affecting the knees, lower back, and hips. The cartilage also gets worn out in the joint space, and inflammation of the bursa and tendons is also there, making it worse.
What Are Some of the Most Common Aging Problems Associated With Feet?
The most common issues affecting the skin, connective tissues, joints, nails, and blood circulation are:
- Dry Skin - Dry skin found on the soles of the feet is a very common issue. Applying moisturizer daily can prevent cracking and infection. When there is a lack of foot care, the collagen starts depleting and forming cracked heels and calluses. If dry skin is not treated, cracked skin can make it quite painful to walk or even stand. Deep cracks also make it easy for bacteria to infiltrate the exposed tissue and cause foot infections. For older people or diabetics, this can become even more serious. If older or diabetic people ignore these issues, this can lead to a very serious infection called cellulitis (bacterial infection). So taking proper foot care is very important, especially for diabetic people.
- Flat Feet - Ligaments in the feet begin to stretch as the feet age and reduce the height of the arch of the foot, finally causing flat feet. Flat feet are a very common issue related to podiatry. The pain generally develops in the midfoot first, then tends to increase with increased activities. A swollen inner ankle and arch often characterize this. It also brings hip, knee, and lower back pain. The foot angle also gets altered if someone has flat feet. The altered angle further causes overpronation, which causes some changes in gait. A loss of stability is also seen here. The person also becomes prone to ankle and foot sprains.
- Shortened Achilles Tendon - Tendons connect the muscles to the bones, and as aging starts, we start losing our tendons too. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. If tendons are shortened because of water loss, a flat-footed gait is what the person will suffer from since there will be fewer possibilities of flexing the ankle, midfoot, and toes. One must stretch their Achilles tendon regularly to prevent further tears and ruptures.
- Hammer Toe - This happens when the joint of one or more toes bends abnormally. This is mainly caused by wearing narrow shoes or high heels that force the toes to go deeper into the toe box. People with hammer toes are prone to getting corns and calluses. This also is characterized by stiffness, swelling, discomfort, and pain. Hammer toe can only be cured surgically. Surgeries for realigning the toes, like arthrodesis and arthroplasty, are done. Stretching can also help restore mobility, but it does not reverse the condition. Toe pads and well-fitted comfortable shoes can help provide a little relief from the pain.
- Toenail Changes - Another issue related to aging feet is the change in toenails. The toenails become thicker and more brittle as we age. It becomes difficult to maintain them. A decrease in the production of hormones also leads to slower nail growth. Estrogen and testosterone are the hormones that stimulate keratin production and make the toenails appear smooth and firm. Discoloration and cracking lead to uneven ridges and layers of decreased production of these hormones. Other issues for toenail change are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), peripheral artery disease, and onychomycosis (a fungal infection of the toenails).
- Arthritis - Osteoarthritis, the wear and tear type of arthritis, affects 10 percent of men and 11 percent of women over 60 years of age. The ankle joint, subtalar joint, and first metatarsophalangeal joint are mostly affected in this case. The common risk factors for osteoarthritis are obesity, hammertoe, bunions, and a past foot or ankle injury. Apart from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, there is another type of arthritis - gouty arthritis. Gouty arthritis is an inflammatory disorder where the accumulation of uric acid crystals around the joint causes acute pain in the big toe.
- Circulatory Problems - Edema is a common symptom of older people's foot and ankle issues. Edema refers to the swelling of tissues. Edema is caused by poor circulation, which leads to fluid getting built up in the foot and ankle. It is associated with conditions like congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and cirrhosis (chronic degenerative liver disease). Obstruction of blood vessels might lead to venous edema that typically affects a single leg. Diabetic neuropathy is another condition caused by long-term diabetes and leads to a pin and needle sensation affecting the legs and feet.
When Is the Best Time to Consult a Podiatrist?
The feet can be called the mirror of overall health. Brittle nails, dried and dehydrated skin, and burning and tingling sensations in the feet can be worrying signs and might be happening because of some underlying conditions, so it is very important to consult a podiatrist as soon as these signs and symptoms start appearing for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion:
As aging happens, it is very important to choose warm and comfortable footwear. Avoiding very tight footwear that makes the feet sore is a wise choice. Avoiding high heels and wearing supportive footwear that supports the feet is always recommended. Avoiding walking barefoot is a must for protecting the feet from various conditions that affect them. It must be remembered that if the feet are not used properly, they can be lost forever. So exercising is very important for keeping the feet steady and maintaining proper fitness.
