Taking Care of Your Feet at 50+
By the time we reach age 50, our feet have taken a beating. According to experts, we have probably walked over 75,000 miles and not often in the best or most supportive shoes. We may have health issues that affect the condition of our feet such as diabetes or obesity and our feet start to change. What can we do when we hit 50+ to take better care of our feet?
Get a good pair of orthotics and place it in your shoe for extra support. One can be custom fit by a podiatrist/foot specialist or you can get an over-the-counter brand for a temporary fix. The use of an orthotic can also slow down the development of bunions and hammer toes that seem to plague the 50+.
Pay attention to your fluid intake. As we age, our hydration levels tend to decrease causing drier skin. It is important to consume plenty of water, but it is equally as important to maintain proper care of your feet. File off the dry skin and apply a decent foot moisturizer both morning and night.
Lose some weight. This will reduce the stress on your feet.
Workout on a more regular basis, making sure to add in lower-impact cardio exercise. Get the blood flowing to your feet to increase circulation. Stretching on a regular basis can help to impede the development of plantar fascia, the ligament under your foot, between your heal and toes.
Keep your feet clean and dry to avoid developing any kind of fungus or infections. We all prefer to stay active in our daily lives and those of us over 50 are no exception. Take good preventative care of your feet to make sure they remain in good condition and they will continue to take good care of you.
If you are having problems with your feet or ankles, call us at (973) 365-2208. While on the line, request your appointment at our office located in Clifton, NJ today!