Topic Overview
Normal changes occur in your feet as you age.
- Feet tend to spread, possibly causing shoe size to change. Have your feet measured each time you buy shoes. Do not assume that your shoe size has not changed.
- The bottoms of the feet lose the fatty pads (especially the heel pad) that cushion the feet.
- Skin becomes thinner and less elastic and may get injured or infected more easily.
-
Ligaments
and
tendons
lose their ability to stretch normally (elasticity).
- Nails tend to get thick and brittle.
Medical conditions such as
obesity
,
arthritis
,
diabetes
, and poor circulation (in either the veins or arteries of the legs) may increase the risk of foot problems.
Credits
Current as of: March 2, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Gavin W.G. Chalmers DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery