Foot Care and Aging: Ottawa’s Comprehensive Guide

At Healthy Steps Pedorthic, we understand the importance of staying active, independent, and comfortable as we age. While we often focus on heart health, vision, or mobility, foot health can sometimes be overlooked.

Yet, our feet are the foundation of our bodies—they carry us through life, quite literally. Foot Care becomes essential for comfort, overall health and mobility as we age.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the most common foot concerns associated with aging, offer tips for preventive care, and explain how we help older adults in Ottawa maintain strong, healthy feet at every stage of life.

Why Foot Health Matters More as We Age

Our feet undergo natural changes as we age. The skin thins and fat pads cushion the soles decrease, and circulation may slow. Years of use, combined with changes in posture, gait, and balance, can lead to various issues that impact our ability to move comfortably. Untreated foot problems may cause pain and increase the risk of falls and other complications.

We see it daily—many of our Ottawa clients think foot pain is just part of getting older. The truth is, while change is natural, pain is not. Proper foot care and early intervention can prevent or manage many age-related foot issues.

Common Age-Related Foot Conditions

Here are some of the most common foot problems we help our older clients manage:

Arthritis

Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the feet and ankles. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, results from wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformities if left untreated.

Diabetic Foot Complications

Diabetes often affects circulation and nerve function. Reduced foot sensation can lead to unnoticed cuts, ulcers, or infections. We always recommend regular foot care checks for diabetic clients.

Bunions and Hammertoes

These deformities can be painful and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Left unaddressed, they can worsen over time and limit mobility.

Plantar Fasciitis

This painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot is common in older adults and can be aggravated by poor footwear or biomechanical issues.

Corns, Calluses, and Cracked Heels

With aging skin comes increased dryness and decreased elasticity, making the feet more prone to calluses, cracks, and discomfort.

Poor Circulation and Cold Feet

Many seniors experience reduced blood flow, leading to cold feet, slow healing, and increased sensitivity to pressure and temperature changes.

Signs It’s Time to See a Pedorthist

We encourage you not to ignore foot discomfort or assume it’s just a part of aging. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to book a foot care assessment:

• Persistent foot or heel pain
• Changes in foot shape or gait
• Swelling that doesn’t go away
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation
• Frequent tripping or imbalance
• Difficulty finding comfortable shoes

As Canadian-certified Podiatrists, we specialize in identifying the root causes of foot pain and creating personalized  treatment plans to improve comfort and mobility.

How We Help Older Adults Stay on Their Feet

At Healthy Steps Pedorthic, we take a holistic approach to foot health. Here’s how we support aging feet:

Custom Orthotics

Our custom orthotics are tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you need additional arch support, pressure relief, or improved alignment, orthotics can significantly enhance comfort and function.

Footwear Recommendations

Shoes matter more than most people think. We guide our clients in selecting supportive, properly fitted footwear designed for aging feet. We also work closely with footwear retailers across Ottawa to help you find the right pair.

Gait and Biomechanical Assessments

A detailed walking and posture analysis helps us detect imbalances or misalignments that may be causing discomfort or instability.

Preventive Care and Education

We offer advice on daily foot hygiene, stretching, and at-home care routines to keep your feet strong and flexible. Preventive care is key to long-term mobility.

Support for Diabetic Foot Health

We provide specialized care and monitoring plans to help diabetic clients reduce the risk of serious complications and maintain foot health through every stage of the condition.

Tips for Daily Foot Care at Home

Even simple daily habits can go a long way in maintaining healthy feet. Here are some of the routines we encourage for Foot Care:

• Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or swelling, especially if you have diabetes.
• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes.
• Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and cracks, but avoid applying lotion between the toes.
• Trim toenails carefully—straight across, not too short- to prevent ingrown toenails.
• Stretch and move your feet daily to maintain flexibility and circulation.
• Wear socks and shoes indoors to protect yourself from slips or stubbed toes.

Empowering Ottawa’s Seniors, One Step at a Time

We believe that aging shouldn’t mean giving up on movement or comfort. With the right care and attention, your feet can keep you active, balanced, and pain-free for many years.

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to stay mobile and independent, we’re here to help. We aim to provide Ottawa’s older adults with expert support, tailored Foot Care solutions, and the confidence to keep stepping forward—every day.

Let’s Talk About Your Feet

If you or someone you care about notices foot discomfort or changes in mobility, don’t wait to seek help. Our caring, experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of your foot health journey. 

Contact Healthy Steps Pedorthic today to book your assessment and take the first step toward healthier aging from the ground up.