Nothing is worse than sore, painful feet and many women over 50 have to suffer this daily affliction. Too many years of wearing unsuitable shoes and spending hours on your feet as part of you work and home lives with little time to pamper yourself will eventually catch up with you.

Health issues such as poor circulation, diabetes and carrying extra weight can cause foot problems as well. Remaining mobile after 50 is crucial in terms of maintaining your health and enjoying a good quality of life, so place caring for your feet at the top of your agenda.

Bunions, hammer toes, corns and calluses can all be dealt with by a good chiropodist and it’s advisable to consult a professional to ensure that you’re wearing suitable shoes and using the best products available to help alleviate these kinds of problems.

There’s plenty you can do at home to improve the condition of your feet, however.

Firstly, invest in a foot spa. These can cost as little as $10 and provide sweet relief with settings for soothing warmth and gentle bubbles. You can always add a little essential oil to the water and enjoy the relaxing benefits of the natural aroma. Lavender and Rose Geranium will both offer relief from stress and strain and leave you feeling great.

Secondly, regularly remove dry, hard skin with the use of a pumice stone, a foot scrub and a foot file. Don’t let the problem build up and take the risk of suffering from painful, cracked heels. Whenever necessary, smother the feet in heel balm before bedtime, seal it all in with a pair of cotton socks and enjoy the results the following morning. Wearing open backed shoes is a definite No if you are prone to hard skin – opt for a comfortable pair of pumps or canvas slip ons instead.

Finally, remember to dry your feet well and use a good moisturiser on your feet after bathing or showering. There are plenty of non-greasy products on the market that offer intense moisturisation.

I have naturally flat feet. In fact, I have some of the flattest feet known to man. They are a size 10, long and flat and would be just perfect for scuba diving if only my toes were webbed (thank goodness, they’re not). My toes are very long though, I know people whose fingers aren’t that long.

All of this means shoes are generally not very comfortable. Even specifically-designed-to-be-comfortable shoes are not very comfortable. Up until now, I had always accepted this as my lot.

However, according to a press release from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, there are many treatments for flat feet, including surgery for severe cases or flatfoot that is “acquired” through injury. What doesn’t work are those old-fashioned orthopedic shoes designed to build up an arch where none exists – the kind my mother thought I should wear.

According to the AAOS, flatfoot can cause knee, hip and back pain in addition to foot pain and difficulty walking. For those whose pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy and orthotics, surgical reconstruction of the flatfoot is an option.

Dr. Steven L. Haddad of the AAOS advises that if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms you should consult an orthopaedic surgeon.

For now, I think I will just stick to my usual method of dealing with foot fatigue and pain, which usually alleviates most of the discomfort.

I just take off my shoes.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons