Aging takes a toll on your feet, increasing your risk of aches and pains. Fortunately, a little pampering and a visit to your Apollo Beach/Riverview, Sun City, Valrico, Zephyrhills, and Wesley Chapel, FL, podiatrists at Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay, will help you care for your feet.

How aging affects your feet

Have you noticed that you need a larger size when you go shoe shopping in Apollo Beach/Riverview, Sun City, Valrico, Zephyrhills, or Wesley Chapel? Gravity tends to flatten your arches slightly as you age, causing your feet to get bigger. Arch issues can also occur due to weak ligaments and tendons in your feet.

Foot pain can be related to arthritis or changes in the fat pads under your feet. Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears away, causing the bones in the joint to rub against each other. Years of wear and tear can increase your risk of arthritis, as can having a foot injury in the past. The fat pads that cushion your feet gradually thin with age, which may also play a part in foot pain.

What you can do about age-related changes

Following these tips can help you increase your comfort:

• Pay Attention to Fit More Than Size: If you've had the same shoe size for years, you may automatically reach for that size when you shop, despite the changes in your feet. Try on a range of sizes and widths next time you shop. Choose a style that doesn't crowd your feet and offers plenty of room for your toes.
  
  
• Ask Your Foot Doctor About Orthotics: These prescription shoe inserts offer extra support for weak arches and also provide cushioning that helps you avoid foot pain. They're a good solution if you have pain due to arthritis or thinning fat pads. Orthotics also limit foot motion and keep your feet properly aligned, which can help you keep your balance.
  
  
• Wear Supportive Shoes at Home: Swap your slippers for a comfortable pair of shoes with adequate arch support. Good arch support not only helps you avoid pain but also makes it easier to keep your balance and prevent falls.
  
  
• Visit Your Podiatrist if Pain Continues for Longer Than a Week or Two: As you get older, you're more likely to develop a variety of foot and ankle conditions in addition to arthritis. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, and other issues can make walking and standing painful. Fortunately, your podiatrist offers effective treatments for these and other conditions.

Do you need to see the podiatrists at Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay? Call (813) 788-3600 for the Zephyrhills or Wesley Chapel, FL, offices, (813) 633-5900 for the Apollo Beach/Riverview or Sun City offices, or (813) 633-5900 for the Valrico office.