Your feet put up with a lot of abuse over the years, and it’s only natural that they succumb to “wear and tear” over time. Precisely how do feet change with age, and is there anything you can do to protect them without keeping a podiatrist on speed dial? The knowledgeable team at Eastern CT Foot Specialists PC in Norwich and North Windham, CT, has the answers. 

Less Fat & Collagen

Your feet have fat pads comprised of collagen and elastin and act as “built-in” insoles when you walk. As you age, however, the body produces less collagen, which means a lot of the foot’s protective cushioning wears away over time. Although your feet might feel relatively normal in the morning, you’re essentially walking on nothing but bone all day, which can cause a considerable amount of pain by the evening. Although there is no way to replace the vanishing fat, wearing shoes with gel pads or cushioned insoles can help.  

Collagen is also responsible for keeping the skin plump and moist. Without it, your feet will feel parched and be more prone to cracking. You can combat this dryness by staying hydrated and applying a podiatrist-approved foot cream twice a day. 

More Joint Pain & Stiffness

Each foot has 33 joints, which means if you suffer from any kind of joint inflammation, you can expect to feel it in your feet. Arthritis often develops with age and typically affects the big toe joint, thereby impairing balance. It usually strikes the joints near the top of the foot as well, and it can cause a considerable amount of pain and stiffness. This is particularly the case early in the morning or after you’ve been stationary for hours. 

If you’ve experienced foot pain on a regular basis and thought age was to blame, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do anything about it. Turn to the podiatrists at Eastern CT Foot Specialists PC for an accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plan. With one office in Norwich and a second in North Windham, this practice is comprised of local specialists who are committed to providing personalized and attentive care. Whether you have bunions and corns or hammertoes and heel spurs, you can rely on their podiatrists for quality care. Visit the website to explore all the services they provide, or call (860) 887-3538 to make an appointment in Norwich or (860) 456-9593 in North Windham.