For the same reasons that everything else in our aging body seems to ache and change, our feet are possibly the biggest victims of getting older. As our bodies age, everything just seems to wear out. It’s natural. But our feet? The reason is simple- overuse. We have literally been “on our feet” for decades. Some more than others and the types of ailments are incredibly various. According to WebMD, here are some common problems and solutions:
- Plantar Fasciitis: the plantar fascia is a long ligament that runs along the sole of your foot and supports your arch. Repeated stress, like jogging, or even everyday strain can irritate it, causing pain and stiffness. If you have high arches or are overweight, you may be more prone to this problem.
- Osteoarthritis: By the time you reach your 50th birthday, your feet may have trekked 75,000 miles or more. All that wear and tear (or a previous injury) can lead to osteoarthritis. It happens when cartilage breaks down and bone rubs against bone. Most people who get it are over 65.
- Stress Fractures: For women, the hormone changes that come with menopause can lower your bone density (osteoporosis) and make it easier to fracture bones, including those in your feet. Men may also get more brittle bones as they age.
Join me and my friends from Western Reserve Hospital Physical Therapy, Ronda Beery and Trayce Krauth as we discuss Senior Foot Pain on Facebook Live, Tuesday, June 22 at 2:30. Just go to Danbury Senior Living on Facebook to watch!
