Your feet have been with you through every stage of life. They’ve carried you to work, through family events, and around the places you love.
As you get older, it’s normal for your feet to change. That doesn’t mean you have to accept constant pain or give up activities you enjoy. With the right care and regular podiatry visits, older adults can keep their feet comfortable, strong, and ready for whatever the day brings.
At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we understand how important foot health is to senior health. Our goal is to help you stay active, prevent injuries, and enjoy your favorite hobbies without discomfort.
Why Foot Health Matters More as You Get Older
Each foot is a complex system of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Over the years, daily use, reduced circulation, and changes in skin and joints can increase the risk of problems.
When your feet aren’t healthy, it can lead to:
- Higher risk of falls and loss of balance.
- Less mobility and fewer opportunities to be active.
- Chronic pain that impacts daily life.
- Increased chance of infections, especially for people with diabetes.
Healthy feet help you stay independent and keep doing the things you love.
How Aging Changes Your Feet
Aging affects both the structure and function of your feet:
- Skin becomes thinner, making cuts and blisters more likely.
- Muscles weaken, which can impact balance.
- Blood flow slows, which affects healing and increases infection risk.
- Fat padding on the soles decreases, making hard surfaces feel more uncomfortable.
Knowing these changes helps you take steps to protect your feet and prevent problems before they start.
Common Foot Problems in Older Adults
As you age, certain foot issues become more likely. Here are some of the most common conditions we see in podiatry care for older adults:
- Arthritis – Stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints, especially in the toes and midfoot, can make walking more difficult.
- Bunions and Hammertoes – Years of tight shoes or long hours standing can shift toe alignment, leading to painful deformities.
- Plantar Fasciitis – Inflammation along the bottom of the foot causes sharp heel pain, often worst in the morning.
- Neuropathy – Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet, often linked to diabetes, can make it harder to feel injuries.
- Fungal Infections – Toenail fungus and athlete’s foot become more common as nails thicken and skin becomes drier.
- Corns and Calluses – Areas of thickened skin develop from years of friction and pressure, making walking uncomfortable.
Foot Care Tips for Older Adults
Keeping your feet healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. A few daily habits and regular podiatry visits can make a big difference.
- Wear Supportive Shoes
Choose shoes with cushioning, arch support, and enough room for your toes. Skip high heels and shoes with very thin soles.
- Trim Toenails Properly
Cut nails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. If reaching your feet is difficult, let our podiatrist handle it for you..
- Moisturize Your Feet
Using moisturizers that include bacteria/fungicidal properties or have a base product with at least 40% urea can help mitigate damage to the skin barrier, making your skin less dry or flaky, and can help prevent risks of infections or their recurrence. - Check Your Feet Often
Look for redness, swelling, blisters, or cuts. If you have diabetes or neuropathy, check daily.
- Stay Active
Activities like walking or swimming improve circulation and help maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
- Visit a Podiatrist Regularly
Professional care catches small problems before they turn into serious ones and helps you stay mobile.
The Role of Podiatry in Senior Health
Podiatry care is about more than just treating foot pain; it’s also about prevention. At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we help older adults with:
- Foot and ankle pain management.
- Care for chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes.
- Custom orthotics to improve support and alignment.
- Vascular health screenings (Smart ABI testing).
- Wound care for injuries or ulcers.
- Preventive visits to reduce the risk of falls and complications.
Routine checkups can protect your mobility and keep you living independently.
Why Lakes Foot & Ankle is the Trusted Choice for Podiatry in Commerce Township
We care for patients across Commerce Township and nearby Michigan communities, providing podiatry services designed with the needs of older adults in mind. Our approach focuses on thorough care, comfort, and helping you stay active.
We know that strong, pain-free feet support your overall senior health, and we’re here to make sure you can keep moving with confidence.
Schedule Your Senior Foot Care Appointment Today at Lakes Foot & Ankle
Your feet carry you through every stage of life, and it’s important to make sure they stay strong and healthy. At Lakes Foot & Ankle, we specialize in podiatry care for older adults, helping you prevent issues, relieve pain, and maintain your independence. Call us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better foot health and a more active future.
