--- title: The Importance of Proper Foot Care and 7 Tips for Healthy Feet description: Your feet play an important role in maintaining balance, mobility, and independence, so it's important to understand the risks and how to stay on top of it image: https://life.dortonline.org/hubfs/Copy%20of%20The%20Importance%20of%20Proper%20Foot%20Care%20and%207%20Tips%20for%20Healthy%20Feet.jpg --- - Banking - [Checking](https://dortonline.org/checking/) - [Boost Checking](https://dortonline.org/checking/boost/) - [Rates](https://dortonline.org/savings-and-investing-rates/) - [Certificate](https://dortonline.org/certificates/) - [Savings](https://dortonline.org/savings/) - [Online/Mobile Banking](https://dortonline.org/online-banking/) - [Fees](https://dortonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Consumer-Fee-Disclosure6-24.pdf) - Borrowing - [Vehicle Loans](https://dortonline.org/vehicles/) - [Loan Rates](https://dortonline.org/loan-rates/) - [Home Loans](https://dortonline.org/mortgages/) - [Home Equity](https://dortonline.org/home-equity/) - 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[Health](https://life.dortonline.org/content/tag/health),[Care](https://life.dortonline.org/content/tag/care) # The Importance of Proper Foot Care and 7 Tips for Healthy Feet [![Living50+](https://life.dortonline.org/hubfs/Artboard%201.svg) Living50+](https://life.dortonline.org/content/author/living50) calendar icon Apr 8, 2026 5:19:20 PM · Reading time 4 [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://life.dortonline.org/content/importance-proper-foot-care-tips-healthy-feet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://life.dortonline.org/content/importance-proper-foot-care-tips-healthy-feet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://life.dortonline.org/content/importance-proper-foot-care-tips-healthy-feet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://life.dortonline.org/content/importance-proper-foot-care-tips-healthy-feet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) If you are 50 or over, did you know that your feet have probably walked between 40,000 and 65,000 miles? If you’d like those feet to keep moving along smoothly, you’ve got to take care of them. Your feet play an important role in maintaining balance, mobility, and independence, so it's important to understand the risks and how to stay on top of it. ## The Importance of Foot Care Aging takes a [toll on our feet](https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/foot-problems/symptoms). Examples are: - Wear and Tear – Painful, disfiguring ailments such as bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes can develop over time due to ill-fitting footwear, genetic predisposition, or arthritis. - Toenail Issues – Aging often is related to problems like ingrown nails, thickening, and discoloration. - Arthritis– Arthritis causes chronic pain and inflammation in the joints. In the feet, it can seriously restrict mobility and, consequently, lower overall quality of life. [Gout](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897) is a common age-related arthritic foot condition. - Diabetes – Diabetes impacts nerves and circulation, which leads to conditions such as neuropathy (tingling, numbness, and pain) and greater susceptibility to injuries and infections that are often difficult to treat. - Fungal Infections – Older adults are more prone to toenail fungus and athlete's foot due to weakened immune systems. - Ligament and Tendon Problems – Afflictions like [plantar fasciitis](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/plantar-fasciitis) and [acquired flatfoot](https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/posterior-tibial-tendon-dysfunction/) can be common. Arthritis, injury, or long-term overuse can contribute to such issues. ## Tips for Better Foot Care To better manage foot-related health issues as you age, here are a few easy tips. ### Keep Feet Clean Many of us don’t pay enough attention to washing our feet during a bath or shower. Avoiding conditions like bacterial, viral, or fungal infections requires careful attention. During your daily bathing routine, it's critical to thoroughly cleanse your feet using a washcloth, soap, and warm water. Make sure to clean between the toes, then thoroughly dry with a towel. Don’t forget to sanitize bathroom floors, tubs, and shower stalls to keep them free of bacteria and fungus. ### Trim Nails Careful, frequent nail trimming is often an overlooked hygiene step. If you usually wear closed-toe shoes, it's easy to ignore when toenails need attention. Also, many people don’t realize that toenails require a different trimming technique than fingernails. Health professionals generally advise trimming toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, which can cause pain and infection. Unfortunately, with age, some may find it challenging to bend over to reach their toenails. Also, for those suffering from conditions like dementia, nail trimming can provoke discomfort, paranoia, or fear. Check with local podiatrists and medical clinics to see if they offer such a service. This is especially important if foot health conditions, such as diabetes, are a factor. If you don’t suffer from a foot-related medical condition, you can turn nail-trimming into a fun and relaxing experience by getting a pedicure. If that’s too costly, you can recreate the spa experience at home. For starters, massage your feet before trimming. Then, soak them in warm water to soften the nails. Play your favorite music, light a scented candle, and enjoy a few minutes of relaxation while you do something to support your feet's health. ### Moisturize Dry skin can lead to flaking, cracking, and even breaking. This is particularly annoying on your feet and could even lead to persistent foot sores. An easy solution is daily moisturization. After cleaning your feet, apply lotion. This should help lock in moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. After that, put on cotton socks to keep the feet warm and comfortable. ### Monitor Sores As noted above, people with diabetes run a risk of troublesome foot sores. Another problem for those who suffer from severe mobility issues is [pressure sores](https://medlineplus.gov/pressuresores.html). When seniors rest, whether in a chair or a bed, their feet may be constantly pressed against a surface, reducing blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, thereby depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. Because of their lack of natural padding, the heels are particularly susceptible to such sores. To manage this, frequently monitor the feet for developing sores. Prevention strategies include frequent repositioning, using protective mattresses, cushions, or boots, and keeping the skin moisturized. ### Promote Circulation Chronic illnesses such as peripheral artery disease and diabetes limit blood circulation in the feet and lower legs. This can lead to blood clots, a very dangerous condition that can result in a [pulmonary embolism](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17400-pulmonary-embolism), a potentially life-threatening condition. You can promote better blood circulation by walking, monitoring blood pressure, elevating the feet, and gently massaging them. Also, compression socks can be a big help in improving blood circulation to the feet. ### Address Pain Early The feet are often the first part of the body to experience pain from conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and arthritis. Pain can also arise from plantar fasciitis, among other afflictions. If you experience ongoing inflammation, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and pain, visit a podiatrist or your regular healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening symptoms. ### Wear Proper Footwear A massive variable in foot health is proper footwear. Getting the right shoe or boot with the right fit is key to preventing future foot issues. It pays to seek out reputable, knowledgeable retailers who specialize in high-quality products. Prices might be higher than buying from Zappos or Walmart, but your safety, comfort, and ongoing foot health are at stake, so the extra cost will probably be worth it. ## Getting Started If you’re concerned about your feet, check with your primary care provider first to assess whether underlying conditions are causing your foot problems. If necessary, they will refer you to a competent specialist for further diagnosis and treatment. Your feet carry more of your life than you probably realize. Small issues tend to grow when they’re ignored. Staying on top of foot care helps you keep doing the things you enjoy without unnecessary setbacks. Paying attention to them now can help you stay active, steady, and comfortable in the years ahead. *Stay ready for both routine care and the unexpected. 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