Many things change as you age, including your perceptions of the world and physical aspects of your body, such as your hair and skin. Your feet also change, and learning how to care for them as you get older can make a big difference to your wellbeing. Here at Foot Solutions, our friendly team can help you to take great care of your feet once you are over 40, so pop in and talk to us for advice and read on for our top tips.
As part of the ageing process, the tissues in the body become looser and this can lead to changes in the feet such as wider feet and sagging in the arches. The fat pads in the soles of the feet also diminish with age, so the natural cushioning in the feet is reduced as you get older. In addition, the menopause can cause complications such as excessive perspiration, which may cause foot odour, and high blood pressure, which could lead to swelling in the feet.
Caring for your feet
Looking after your feet is essential to prevent pain and reduce the risk of developing common foot problems, and we recommend building the following elements into your footcare routine:
- Exercise. Regular exercise becomes more and more important as you age and you should aim to increase your activity each year. Walking, swimming and cycling are excellent forms of all round exercise, which can give you a cardio workout and help you to tone up, and you can build up gradually to increase your stamina and strength. Incorporating stretching exercises for the legs and feet can help to strengthen the muscles and tissues of the feet and increase your range of motion and balance, so try to include these as part of your warm up and cool down when you are exercising.
- Good footwear. The shoes you wear can make a big difference to the health of your feet and many foot conditions can develop or worsen as a result of wearing shoes that are not supportive enough for your feet. As you age, this become more and more important, and once you are over 40, reserving high heels for special occasions only is wise. Wearing high heels on a regular basis can put a lot of pressure on the joints and force the toes into unnatural positions, leading to more arthritis pain, bunions and hammertoes. Choosing shoes that have a good level of cushioning and support can help to maintain good foot health, giving your feet room to spread and breathe. Here at Foot Solutions, we have a great range of sandals, walking shoes and work shoes that look and feel fantastic and you won’t need to compromise on comfort or on style.
- Custom orthotics. Custom orthotics can completely change the game when it comes to foot health and we recommend talking to our experienced staff about the difference they could make for you. Custom orthotics are designed to fit your unique foot shape and can adjust the way your foot moves inside the shoe. This gives you more stability and support and helps to correct any problems with your gait to improve mobility and protect your muscles and joints.
- TLC. Looking after your feet means treating them to a little luxury and this is something you can begin to prioritise in your daily routine. You should wash your feet every day with soap and water, and use a foot file or pumice stone to get rid of dry or cracked skin when needed. After washing, dry your feet well, particularly in between the toes to prevent a buildup of bacteria that could cause Athlete’s Foot. After this, choose a foot cream or body lotion you love and moisturise your feet, giving them a quick massage to boost your circulation as you do so.
- Trim toenails regularly. Keeping your toenails neat can help to prevent ingrown toenails and infections, and you should trim them regularly. Cut them straight across and do not cut them too short. You should use nail scissors or clippers and file the edges gently to smooth rough edges where needed. If you like to paint your toenails, choose a shade that will make you smile and dedicate this time to making your feet look and feel great.
- Check your feet regularly. Examining your feet on a regular basis is an important way to keep them healthy, ensuring that you do not have any cuts, sores or concerning changes in the skin. Any unexplained swelling or change in colour or temperature should be monitored carefully and you should consult a doctor or podiatrist if this does not resolve. If you have a condition such as diabetes, which leaves you prone to problems with the feet, you will probably have a professional team to help you with such aspects of your self care. Seek medical advice if you are concerned at any time.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can have many benefits for your general health and your foot health, and losing excess weight can relieve pressure on your feet. This will involve a combination of regular exercise and a good, balanced diet, and you can talk to our experienced team or to your medical professionals for some great advice. The key to weight loss or maintaining fitness is to find a form of exercise you enjoy and build it into your daily life. Walking and swimming are excellent forms of exercise for general fitness and exercising with friends can increase the benefits for your mental health, too. You could consider joining a local running club or sports club to build your confidence and socialise while improving your fitness, and remember that exercising outdoors also brings multiple benefits.
You can visit a podiatrist or foot specialist for help with any problems you are experiencing or to arrange a foot examination.
Care for your feet with comfortable, stylish shoes
Finding good shoes that support your feet in all the right ways can make a huge difference to the health of your feet and improve your mobility and daily comfort significantly. Here at Foot Solutions, we help many people who live with foot, leg and lower back pain on a daily basis, and we know how much difference the right footwear can make. We’ll take the time to get to know you and your feet, looking at the way you walk and any existing foot problems that you may be experiencing.
If you are over 40, it is a good idea to visit a specialist foot store such as Foot Solutions to find your ideal footwear. The best time to shop for shoes is later in the day because feet spread naturally during the day, and you should try on several pairs of shoes to find the right size and fit. Having your feet professionally measured can be really helpful and taking the advice of your fitter can ensure that your new shoes are a great match for your feet. You may wish to try insoles or custom orthotics to improve the way your shoes fit you and this can help to correct alignment issues and ensure that you are comfortable.
Don’t forget that the socks you wear can make a difference to your foot health too! Wearing cotton socks that allow your feet to breathe and wick away perspiration can reduce foot odour and help to protect your feet. Try on new shoes with the socks you will wear with them to ensure that the fit is correct, and change your socks daily to keep your feet fresh and clean. When you are exercising, you may need to wear different socks that fit better in your training shoes, and you may find that you prefer more structured socks that are designed to give additional support and help with your circulation.
Visit Foot Solutions To Give Your Feet A Treat
Here at Foot Solutions, we have a great range of comfortable, stylish shoes that will help your feet to look and feel great all year round. Our expert staff can help you to find shoes that give you the support and cushioning you need, alleviating existing foot pain and preventing further problems from developing. If you are concerned about any aspect of your foot health, including conditions such as bunions and plantar fasciitis, talk to us at Foot Solutions and let us help you to find the answer your need.
Pop in and meet our experienced team to find out more about how to look after your feet and try on shoes for work or sandals for all your summer adventures. Good shoes will make a big difference to the health of your feet and we know you’ll find your perfect pair in store. We also offer custom orthotics and foot health consultations, and we will be happy to discuss these with you when you visit our store.
