BLOG - REGULAR BLOG BY JANET McGROGGAN - PRINCIPAL PODIATRIST 

Posts tagged “Ageing Feet”

The riveting subject of the aging foot continues and this week the natural progression is towards corns and callus.  
 
These phenomena are not restricted to the older person or even the older woman although these are stereotypical who we think of when the words corn, and callus are mentioned. 
 
Callus is just hard skin… 
We all love babies little plump feet and the fattiness that settles in the ball and heel of our feet protects and cushions our feet throughout our life. But as we age this fattiness reduces causing problems. 
 
This is called Fat Pad Atrophy and can happen in younger people due to illness e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, foot structure e.g. high arched feet or mechanical forces e.g. prolonged wearing of high heels. In older people Fat Pad Atrophy occurs due to wear and tear and natural progression and this is increased in people with Diabetes. 
It’s a fact, they exist and although I am often told by carers (who in my opinion have some questionable tasks to perform in the caring industry) that they cannot bear to look at them. They’re only feet!!!!! 
 
I suppose older people’s feet are just as important as many other areas of their bodies, aging has a huge effect many parts of us but feet, if neglected can become a real health hazard. 
 
Let’s start at the skin… skin becomes drier and thinner as we age, and this is a problem as dry, thin skin tears easily and heals slowly. 
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