Your Feet Change As You Age—Here’s How to Keep Them Healthy

As we get older, we expect certain changes—maybe stiffer joints or slower recovery after exercise. But what about your feet? Many people are surprised to learn that your feet go through real changes with age, and if you don’t give them the right attention, small issues can grow into bigger problems.

Have you noticed your shoes fitting differently lately—or that standing too long just isn’t as easy as it used to be? You’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone.

At Brooklin Foot & Orthotic Clinic, we help patients from Brooklin, Whitby, Ajax, and Oshawa stay mobile, active, and pain-free through every stage of life. Here’s what aging does to your feet—and how you can keep them healthy and comfortable.

Why Your Heels Might Hurt More Lately

Your feet flatten and get wider

As we age, ligaments and tendons lose elasticity, which can cause your arches to drop and your feet to widen. Many people in their 50s and beyond find themselves needing a larger shoe size—even if they’ve worn the same size for years.

What you can do:

• Get your feet measured annually
• Choose shoes with a supportive sole and roomy toe box
• Ask us about custom orthotics for arch support and pressure relief

Thicker, Yellow Toenails? Here’s What It Could Mean

Nails change with age—and fungus is more common

Toenails often become thicker, more brittle, or discoloured with age. Reduced circulation or immune function also makes older adults more prone to fungal infections.

What you can do:

• Keep nails trimmed and clean
• Wear breathable shoes and socks
• If nails appear yellow or thick, book a visit—ClearToe Therapy is a painless, non-invasive solution offered right here in Brooklin, and trusted by patients from Whitby, Ajax, and Oshawa

Dry, Cracked Heels? Time for Extra TLC

Your skin becomes drier and more fragile

Aging skin produces less oil, which often leads to dry, cracked heels or flaking soles. Left untreated, this can become painful—or even lead to infection.

What you can do:

• Moisturize feet daily (but skip between the toes)
• Use gentle, non-drying soap
• Come in for routine foot care and callus reduction—especially helpful for seniors

Loss of Feeling or Cold Feet? It’s Not Just the Weather

Circulation and sensation decrease with age

Conditions like diabetes, neuropathy, and poor circulation can reduce how much you feel in your feet—making it harder to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure spots.

What you can do:

• Inspect your feet daily
• Never ignore tingling, numbness, or pain
• Ask about our diabetic foot care—a specialty service we provide for patients across Durham Region

Feeling Off Balance? Your Feet Might Be the Reason

Muscle and joint changes affect mobility

As joints stiffen and muscles weaken, your walking pattern can shift, increasing your risk of falls. That’s why balance issues become more common with age.

What you can do:

• Wear supportive shoes with good grip
• Avoid worn-out soles or “sloppy” footwear
• Ask us about Foot Mobilization Therapy (FMT) to improve range of motion and stability

Quick Self-Check: Are Your Feet Changing With Age?

Check any that apply:

• Your shoe size has changed in recent years
• You feel pain in your heels, arches, or toes after walking
• Your toenails have thickened or turned yellow
• You have dry, cracked heels or flaking skin
• You sometimes feel numbness or tingling in your feet
• You’ve noticed a change in your balance or how you walk

If you checked even one of these, your feet may be showing early signs of age-related change. The good news? You don’t have to wait for it to get worse.

Take Care of the Feet That Take Care of You

Your feet work hard for you every day. As they change, they need proactive care to stay comfortable and functional.

At Brooklin Foot & Orthotic Clinic, we offer personalized foot care for patients of all ages—from preventative treatment to targeted therapies like orthotics, ClearToe Therapy, foot mobilization, and diabetic care.

We’re proud to serve patients in Brooklin, Whitby, Ajax, Oshawa, and throughout Durham Region.

Ready to Put Your Best Foot Forward?

Let’s keep you moving—confidently, comfortably, and pain-free.

FAQs About Aging Feet and Foot Care in Durham Region