The American Podiatric Medical Association did a survey in 2009 and discovered that 80 percent of respondents had painful problems with their feet, some for two years or more. Podiatrists Dennis Frisch and Jeffrey Ross have some suggestions for happier feet.
Taking proper care of your feet is a good investment. Cutting toenails straight across prevents ingrown toenails. Moisturizing soothes dry cracked skin.
Our feet change as we reach middle-age. The cushioning decreases on the bottoms of our feet. Our toes and nails may change, nails thicken, we can develop hammertoes and bunions, our toes may bend in new unusual ways.
Our feet may get bigger, so it's important to measure them for size. Go for more arch support, and steer clear of stilletos and flip-flops. And lastly, Frisch and Ross advise against going barefoot to protect our feet.
"There are some age-related changes in our feet that can make pain more likely. But painful feet aren't inevitable with age, Frisch says."
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/foot-heel-pain-prevention