If we are lucky it comes to us all — old age!

We can’t prevent ageing or the changes that will occur to our bodies, but we can be aware and try and reduce the negative impact.

Our feet go through natural changes as we age and today I will list the five most common changes that may arise.

1. The skin on our feet will age, just like the rest of our bodies, and if anything, because of the battering our feet take the ageing will probably be quicker. It will become drier and more wrinkled as the collagen shrinks. The skin will produce less natural oils and this can lead to cracking and fissuring, especially around the heels.

I advise my older clients to moisturise the skin from the knee downwards twice a day.

2. As we age one will notice that toenails discolour, thicken and possibly become hollow. This is usually due to years of minor trauma from ill-fitting shoes and knocks.

If these nails become troublesome they can be treated by your podiatrist.

3. Our feet will change shape as we age. Usually they get longer and wider. It is quite normal for this to happen as our ligaments and tendons stretch and weaken.

When buying shoes don’t be surprised to find that you may have gone up a size.

4. As the body gets older we naturally loose flexibility and elasticity. This causes stiffness in all joints, especially the feet and ankles as there are so many small joints. Wear and tear will cause arthritic changes which can be painful and restrict movement.

Exercise regularly to increase your range of motion. Yoga and Pilates can be great for stiff joints and orthotics and supportive footwear will also help.

5. It is very common to find that toe positions change over time. Toes may deviate to the right, left or contract upwards. As our functional abilities and gait patterns change, our shape and position will change to compensate. These toe may develop corns and calluses, which can be treated by your podiatrist.

Angela Davis BSc (Hons) DPodM MChS is a podiatrist with offices in Montego Bay (293- 7119), Mandeville (962-2100), Ocho Rios (974-6339), Kingston (978-8392), and Savanna-la-Mar (955-3154). She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom.