What to Expect From Aging Feet?

When it comes to feet health, people often tend to dismiss proper foot care even though feet perform impressive work daily. However, everyone becomes aware of the importance of maintaining healthy feet as the aging process slowly begins to affect the feet health.

Feet are not immune to the aging process. Over the years, they become hugely susceptible to complications and severe conditions. As a result of the inevitable physiological changes that come along with normal wear and tear, feet begin to change their performance that can further result in complex life-style changes.

The following are the most common side effects that aging has on the feet.

Thinning of adipose tissue

Over time, the Adipose tissue, a type of connective tissue composed of collagen and elastin, begins to erode. Adipose tissue plays an essential role as it provides structural support to the feet bones and tendons. The decreased production of the collagen can further lead to stiffness and pain in the feet making long walks unbearable.

To combat this type of collagen breakdown, doctors usually recommend the daily application of a moisturizer that contains Vitamin B3. The body’s decreasing production of collagen over time is inevitable. However, wearing supportive orthotics that evenly distribute weight across the ball of the foot can remarkably alleviate the feet discomfort. 

Flat feet

After years of providing support to bones and cartilage, ligaments begin to spread, adversely impacting the arch in the foot. While there are people with flat feet who experience no symptoms, the foot’s complete contact with the ground can lead to improper weight distribution, which causes pain in the feet. 

Hammertoes

Hammertoes most often occur due to disruption in the strength of the lower leg and foot muscles. In hammertoes, one or more toes curl or bend in an unnatural position. Moreover, uncomfortable or abrasive shoes can lead to further complications and bigger discomfort.

Since they result from a ligament imbalance, hammertoes can present in two forms, rigid and flexible. Rigid hammertoes don’t allow straightening the buckled joints. Without treatment, rigid hammertoes can lead to foot misalignment. Flexible hammertoes, a milder issue of hammertoes, allow the toe movement. Still, without proper treatment, they can further develop into rigid hammertoes.

Edema

Edema is perhaps the most common symptom to affect aging feet and ankles. It typically occurs as a result of poor blood circulation. In older people, poor circulation could result from venous insufficiency, which causes blood to pool and stop the normal flow in the veins. Additionally, the foot swelling may also arise from a cut infection, which can be more vulnerable in older feet.

The aging process changes the way the body works. Throughout the entire process, feet bear the immense pressure of the body weight. Still, they can also show early signs of severe underlying conditions. It is crucial to keep an eye on any unusual changes and see a foot specialist regularly to protect the feet and overall body health. Staying active maintains healthy blood flow, muscular strength, and foot arch support, which prevents the feet from developing a severe issue.

If you experience unusual symptoms and feeling in your feet, feel free to schedule an appointment at Kings Point Foot & Ankle. Our foot and ankle specialist and one of the top LA podiatrists, Dr. Benjamin Tehrani, will help you overcome any foot or ankle problem.