How to look after ageing feet
Donald Trafton, 81, strolled into his 80th year feeling as alive and vital as ever. It wasn’t a fluke, nor the luck of having good genes. He planned for it, developing a very healthy lifestyle that he’s always fine-tuning. He shares his tips for healthy and happy ageing at Being 80.
Feet… don’t fail me now. This is not about outrunning that bear in the woods. This is about the prospect that your feet, at some point, will give out on you.
About 75 per cent of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives. Have you noticed that most people as they age begin to wobble as they walk? That’s because, for many, it’s painful to walk.
Over the years I’ve neglected my feet, and I got away with it, until a couple of months ago. I was getting stabbing pains in my right foot, especially first thing in the morning. At first I could walk it out… then I couldn’t. I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis, caused mainly (I think) from walking in ill-fitting walking shoes.
Don’t let this happen to you. If you’ve dodged foot problems so far – good for you. Here’s some steps you can take (no pun intended), to make sure you keep your feet in great shape:
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following tips for preventing foot pain:
- Don’t ignore foot pain. It is not normal. If the pain persists, see a doctor who specialises in podiatry.
- Inspect feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in colour and temperature. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
- Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and dry them completely.
- Trim toenails straight across, but not too short.
- Make sure shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest, and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
- Select and wear the right shoe for specific activities (such as running shoes for running).
- Alternate shoes. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day.
- Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals, always use sunblock on your feet, as you would on the rest of your body.
Good tips, and they have much more information on their website.
But, a very important practice the APMA doesn’t say anything about… is foot yoga. Now, every day, we’ve incorporated this five minute sequence into our morning yoga practice, and it’s paying big dividends. I’m positive this would be very good for you too, so please give it a try.
Keep those feet in tip top shape… for a lifetime.
Find more from Donald at his website, www.being80.com.