AGEING FEET

As you age, your feet develop more problems because the skin tends to become thin and lose its elasticity. Healing can take longer, wear and tear to the joints over the years may cause some degree of arthritis.

But painful and uncomfortable feet are not a natural part of growing old or something you simply have to 'put up with'. Much can be done to improve comfort, relieve pain and maintain mobility. Elderly people often need assistance with foot care, so a regular visit to a podiatrist is a good idea.

The older you get, the more you need a shoe that holds your foot firmly in place and gives you adequate support. Throw out those sloppy old favourites that may make you unstable when you walk. Instead, look for shoes with uppers of soft leather or a stretchy man-made fabric, which is also breathable. Avoid plastic easy-clean uppers that do not allow the foot to breathe and will not stretch to accommodate your own foot shape. Many shoes have cushioning or shock-absorbing soles to give you extra comfort when you walk.

Your shoes should be roomy enough, particularly if you intend to wear them every day. If you suffer with swollen feet, it is a good idea to put your shoes on as soon as you wake up, before your feet have had a chance to swell.

FOOT PACIFIERS FOR ACHING FEET

After a long day on your feet, there is nothing like a revitalizing footbath to ease uncomfortable aches and pains. Add six drops of aromatherapy peppermint oil to a bowl of hot (but not too hot) water. Swish it around and sit comfortably with both feet in the water. Relax or read a book while the peppermint oil soothes and tones. Pat your feet dry and gently massage in some relaxing oil. Geranium oil is good for general circulation problems; lemongrass oil helps improve energy, builds resistance to fatigue and is soothing for tired legs and venous (vein) conditions; peppermint oil is cooling and has anti-inflammatory properties; rosemary oil is useful for fluid retention; sage oil is an antiseptic, astringent stimulant that is ideal for fluid retention and general aches and pains; and lavender is particularly effective in helping to combat odorous feet.

Other good ideas for aching feet are:

• Kick off your shoes and lift your feet onto a desk or table, or lie on your bed with your feet raised on two pillows.
• Wrap ice cubes in a flannel and rub it over your feet up to each ankle. Dry each foot and dab with witch-hazel.
• Rub your soles with cider vinegar or lemon juice.
• Soak your feet in a bowl of lukewarm water containing a spa solution or good old-fashioned Epsom salts. Apply a cooling foot lotion over your feet and legs, up to your knees.