Your feet support you through every stage of life, yet they’re often the most overlooked part of the body. From a child’s first steps to staying mobile and independent later in life, foot health plays a vital role in comfort, movement, and overall wellbeing. The needs of your feet change over time, and understanding those changes can help prevent pain, injury, and long-term problems.
Here’s what good foot care looks like at every age.
Childhood: Building healthy foundations
Children’s feet are still developing, with bones, muscles, and ligaments forming well into their teenage years. During this time, it’s not uncommon for parents to notice flat feet, toe walking, frequent tripping, or complaints of leg or heel pain.
Many of these issues are normal stages of development, but some benefit from early assessment. Properly fitted shoes, especially for school and sport, are essential. Shoes that are too tight, too flexible, or worn out can affect posture and movement patterns.
Regular podiatry checks during childhood can help identify gait issues early and support healthy development, particularly for active kids involved in sport.
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Teenage Years: Growth, sport, and strain
Teenagers often place high demands on their feet. Rapid growth spurts, busy school days, and competitive sport can all increase the risk of injury. Common problems include heel pain (such as Sever’s disease), ankle sprains, ingrown toenails, and overuse injuries.
Because teens may push through pain to keep playing sport, problems can be overlooked until they become more serious. Supportive footwear, good training habits, and early treatment of pain can help teens stay active and confident during these years.
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Adulthood: Work, lifestyle, and everyday stress
Adult feet work hard. Long hours standing or walking, busy family life, exercise routines, and footwear choices all impact foot health. Many adults experience heel pain, arch pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, or aching legs, often dismissing these as “just part of life”.
However, ongoing foot pain can change the way you walk and lead to problems in the knees, hips, or lower back. Addressing issues early with footwear advice, strengthening exercises, or orthotics can prevent small problems from becoming chronic.
Pregnancy, weight changes, and hormonal shifts can also affect foot structure and comfort, making professional guidance particularly helpful during these stages.
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Midlife: Changes in structure, hormones, and circulation
During midlife, the feet often undergo noticeable changes. The natural cushioning under the heels and forefoot can thin over time, joints may become stiffer, and circulation can slow. These changes can lead to increased foot fatigue, aches, balance issues, and slower healing from even minor cuts or pressure areas.
For many women, menopause plays a significant role in foot health. Hormonal changes can affect joint flexibility, tendon strength, and fluid retention, leading to symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, heel pain, and changes in foot shape or shoe size. Some women also experience increased inflammation or nerve sensitivity during this stage of life.
Midlife is also when conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and circulation problems may start to impact the feet. Without regular monitoring, these issues can quietly progress and lead to chronic pain or reduced mobility.
Regular podiatry care during this stage is important not only for comfort, but for early detection, preventative care, and personalised support to help maintain mobility, balance, and confidence as your body changes.
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Older Age: Mobility, balance, and independence
In later years, healthy feet play a crucial role in maintaining mobility, balance, and independence. As we age, the skin on the feet can become thinner and drier, nails may thicken or become difficult to manage, and circulation and sensation may reduce. These changes increase the risk of discomfort, infection, and injury if not properly cared for.
Foot pain at this stage of life can significantly affect confidence in walking and increase the risk of falls – one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. Even minor issues such as corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails can alter the way someone walks, placing extra strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.
Routine podiatry care helps manage nail and skin conditions, monitor circulation and nerve health, and identify early signs of problems before they become serious. Supportive footwear, orthotics where needed, and balance-focused advice can all help older adults stay steady on their feet.
With regular care and early intervention, healthy feet can support continued independence, confidence, and an active lifestyle well into later life.
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Sanders Podiatry: Supporting your feet at every stage since 2005
No matter your age, foot pain isn’t something you should simply put up with. At Sanders Podiatry, we support patients through every life stage with personalised care, education, and preventative treatment.
Looking after your feet today helps protect your movement, comfort, and quality of life for years to come. If something doesn’t feel right, early care makes all the difference.
Call our family-friendly podiatry team and make an appointment for you or a member of your family. We’re conveniently located in Linden Park, as well as the Adelaide Hills in Mount Barker and Stirling.
Please phone us and make an appointment at one of our clinics below.
Sander Podiatry Adelaide – 08 8379 1456 (Greenhill Podiatry)