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do you have foot problems?

I had my first foot problem in my mid-forties when I developed plantar fasciitis. I was limping on both feet by the time I sought help from a podiatrist. I got the expensive orthotics and said goodbye to all my cute shoes which could not be worn with my orthotics. I learned to put shoes on the minute I got out of bed, shoes that would raise my arch and cushion my heel. Within 4 or 5 months I could walk again without pain. Over the years I experimented with many different orthotics. I have bought and tried many over the years. One of my favorites is this Emsold ultra-thin orthotic. , and is a steal at just over $ 26,00 It has a leather outer shell so you don’t slip into plastic. It slides easily into most shoes. https://amzn.to/3wObIqY,,,,, as an alternative you can order a kit to make your custom orthotics from https://amzn.to/3WZae89 ….this works great and both my daughter and myself have used this kit.

With age, it’s not only the wrinkles that should catch your attention; your feet deserve a closer look too. Changes in foot health can have a significant impact on your daily life. You might notice that plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, and bunions are no longer terms reserved for others but could be conditions you’re starting to grapple with. Early detection isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a critical step toward preventing pain and mobility issues that can turn chronic if ignored.

By being proactive, you can keep your feet healthy and functional. This includes being mindful of daily habits, assessing your footwear, and incorporating foot-strengthening exercises into your routine. I wish I had started earlier. At 73 my footcare includes using toe separators,

In a whirl of work and family life, I know it’s easy to push foot health to the back of your mind. But trust me, a little attention today can spare you from unwelcome aches and slowdowns in the future. Stay tuned as I walk you through some reasons why your feet are not just the foundations of your body but also subtle storytellers of your overall well-being in the next section.

Listening to Your Soles: What Feet Say About Overall Health

Your feet might be more articulate than you think. Beyond carrying you through your daily routine, they can offer vital clues about your overall health. From the appearance of your skin and nails to the structure and function of your feet, minor changes can signal larger health issues.

A common misunderstanding is that foot problems are isolated incidents, but they’re more like the canary in the coal mine. For example, persistent swelling could be a red flag for kidney or heart disease. Similarly, numbness or tingling might signify diabetes or neurological conditions.

Examining your feet regularly can lead to early identification of health conditions long before other symptoms manifest. Conditions like peripheral arterial disease often reveal themselves through foot-related symptoms such as walking pain.

A friend introduced me to Ofoos flip-flops when she loaned me a pair to wear inside her house. They were so comfortable I immediately ordered some and began wearing them indoors. https://amzn.to/4dTVCwM After a few months I realized how happy I would be to have these in a shoe form. I went on Amazon and found an Ofoo Velcro sandal that exceeded my expectations in a walking shoe. I get excited about taking a walk because these shoes put a spring in my 73-year-old step! https://amzn.to/3WTNd6h.

Podiatrists hold a unique position in healthcare. They can catch the early signs of systemic diseases during a routine foot exam. But they will also not try to talk you into surgery, because they can’t guarantee results. If they notice something amiss, they can direct you to the right specialist and may just set you on the path to early treatment of a condition you didn’t know you had. I also want to recommend looking on YouTube for foot care tips. My daily routine includes rolling my feet on small balls, toe lifts, ankle strengthening, and a few hours wearing toe spacing devices.

Embracing a practice of periodic self-exams can become a crucial part of your health routine. Check for color changes, cuts that don’t heal promptly, or changes in sensation. If you detect anything unusual, it’s vital to seek professional advice.

Foot Health Practices for Seniors

As the years add up, so does the wear and tear on our feet. Age brings changes that can impact the well-being of our feet, sometimes in ways we might not expect. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s about maintaining mobility and independence.

For seniors, a daily foot care routine becomes essential. Keeping feet clean and dry wards off infections, while moisturizing prevents the skin from becoming dry and cracking, which can lead to more serious complications. Furthermore, regular self-examination can catch issues like nail disorders, corns, or calluses before they become problematic. I keep a bottle of tea tree oil handy for athletes’ foot flare-ups, as I often contract it when using a shower in a hotel or swim club. Even flip-flops don’t always prevent it….You can order it here: https://amzn.to/3WTTbnH, or pick up a bottle at Trader Joe’s! It is easy to apply with a cue tip.

Shoe choice becomes ever more critical as you enter your golden years. Supportive, well-fitted footwear can prevent some foot problems and contribute to overall balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls. Your late afternoon is the best time to shop for shoes since feet can swell throughout the day.

Incorporating foot-strengthening exercises into your routine can vastly improve foot health. Gentle stretching, flexing, and resistance activities can improve circulation, maintain muscle strength, and reduce the pain of conditions like arthritis,

Prevention: By addressing foot issues early on, we can often avoid the need for more invasive treatments or even surgery down the line. Educating ourselves about potential foot problems and taking proactive measures can keep our feet healthy well into our golden years.

For instance, investing in well-fitted orthotics can alleviate some foot pains and problems. These custom-made insoles support the foot’s natural structure, distributing weight evenly and reducing stress on pressure points. Orthotics not only help in managing conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammer toes but can also prevent their occurrence in the first place.

However, it’s not just about correcting issues as they arise, but also about adopting lifestyle strategies that prevent foot problems from developing. Regular stretching, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing shoes that offer sufficient support are some of the essential steps you can take now to protect your feet in the future. Eating a diet that is mostly anti-inflammatory also helps. I have found that wheat intake and too much alcohol will cause flare-ups of arthritis-related toe pain in my feet. Not everyone reacts to the same foods similarly, so notice your reactions to what you take in.

Home remedies, such as ice packs for inflammation and gentle massages, can provide relief and aid in foot health maintenance. Engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can keep your feet strong without excessive strain.

Pay attention and be responsive to the early signs of foot problems. If persistent pain or structural changes occur, seeking help from a foot care specialist is paramount. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and comprehensive treatment program tailored to your needs. Remember, these preventative measures can mean a more active pain-free, and independent lifestyle.