Why Your Feet Hurt More as You Age—And What You Can Do About It
If you're over 60 and dealing with daily foot pain, you're not alone—and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
As we age, many of my patients tell me, “My feet just don’t feel the way they used to.” Foot pain becomes increasingly common with age, and for good reason. Over time, the structure of our feet changes, and those changes can lead to discomfort, instability, and even limited mobility.
Why Do Feet Hurt More As We Get Older?
Your feet take tens of thousands of steps every week. After decades of use, it’s no surprise that some wear and tear starts to show. Here are a few reasons foot pain is more common in older adults:
- Loss of natural fat padding: The fat pads on the bottoms of your feet shrink as you age, reducing natural shock absorption and leading to sore heels and soles1.
- Decreased circulation: Aging can slow blood flow to the feet, leading to coldness, tingling, or cramps.
- Joint degeneration: Years of movement can wear down cartilage in the foot and ankle joints, contributing to arthritis and stiffness2.
- Falling arches: Tendons lose elasticity, and the arch can collapse over time, affecting balance and walking.
- Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes and neuropathy increase in prevalence with age and can cause burning, numbness, or wounds that heal slowly3.
What You Can Do to Relieve Foot Pain
The good news is, with the right care, most foot pain can be managed or even prevented. Here are some steps I regularly recommend to my patients:
- Choose supportive shoes with good arch structure and a wide toe box to prevent compression.
- Use custom orthotics to relieve pressure and realign the foot properly.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors, even at home—support matters all day long.
- Elevate your feet after long periods of standing to reduce swelling.
- Incorporate gentle stretching to keep the foot and ankle flexible.
- See a podiatrist regularly—especially if you notice skin changes, ulcers, or persistent pain.
Dr. Roggow’s Tip for Healthier Feet
Once a week, soak your feet in warm (not hot) water with Epsom salts for 10–15 minutes, then apply a quality moisturizer. This simple habit can improve circulation, ease joint pain, and keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living
Foot pain is not an inevitable part of aging. The earlier we address these issues, the better your quality of life will be. If you’re struggling with foot discomfort, we’re here to help. Schedule your new patient appointment with Premier Foot & Ankle today—and let’s get you back on your feet.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. Foot pain causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/foot-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050792 ↩
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Aging and Foot Health. https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm ↩
- Cleveland Clinic. Why Your Feet Hurt More as You Get Older. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-your-feet-hurt-more-as-you-get-older ↩
