Aging adults should pay closer attention to foot pain, according to the ICAA (International Council on Active Aging).  In one study, the ICAA found that 87% of aging adults reported at least one foot problem. Why do so many aging adults  neglect foot pain? I took it upon myself to find this answer, and asked a few baby boomers- starting with my parents.  The most common reason for neglecting feet and ignoring foot pain? Aging adults EXPECT it to happen…..really?

I put myself in their shoes (excuse the bad pun, its unavoidable) and tried to make sense of this answer, but couldn’t.  If you are expecting something to happen, wouldn’t you prepare for it?  If you wake up tomorrow morning and feel the first symptoms of the flu, wouldn’t you take medicine, drink more fluids and sleep a few extra hours to get well as quick as possible??

Your feet shouldn’t be treated any differently, especially if foot pain could mean a more serious health issue. The ICAA explains that foot pain in aging adults can be the first sign of trouble in many illnesses related to aging such as arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory disease. So if you’re expecting foot pain some time in the near future, have your feet looked at by a professional and give them the treatment they deserve!