The foot is an complex structure made up of 26 bones and 33 joints that must work together with 19 muscles and 107 ligaments. This complexity means that even small changes in the foot can affect its integrity and can cause pain with each step.
Over the years, the feet are placed on a lot of stress as well as general wear and tear. Because of these, there will inevitably be an effect on how the bones, joints, and tendons of the feet function.
Among the most common issues older adults may experience with their feet are:
1. Toenail changes. With age, the toenails may become thickened, misaligned, and discolored.
2. Skin changes. The skin on the feet may get dry and inelastic due to diminishing supply of collagen. As the skin starts to thin, so too will the fatty layer cushioning of the soles and heels. All these plus lack of consistent foot care can lead to cracked heel and callues. Hyperkeratoses are also quite common. When cracks become deep enough, bacteria can enter the tissue and cause foot infection. In people with diabetes or in older people, this can lead to a potentially serious infection known as cellulitis. Another skin condition common in seniors is seborrheic keratosis, which is often mistaken for warts.
3. Size changes. The feet may become longer and wider with age. This is because of weakened tendons or ligaments that may lead to drop in the foot arch and thus widening and lengthening of the foot.
4. Hammertoes. This is the abnormal bend in the joint of one or more toes caused by wearing heels or narrow shoes that force the toes into the toebox. These are prone to corns and calluses, stiffness, swelling, and pain.
5. Osteoarthritis. This is known as wear and tear arthritis that affects older adults. Common risk factors are bunions, hammertoes, past foot or ankle injury.
6. Foot swelling. This condition, also called edema, is among the most common foot and ankle symptoms in older people. This is associated with poor circulation that leads to buildup of fluid in the legs, ankles, and feet.
7. Heel pain, ankle pain.
Oftentimes, foot pain in seniors is dismissed as simply due to age. However, there are many ways to improve the condition of the feet as well as treat the underlying cause of foot pain. This can be as simple as orthotics or shoe inserts or minor procedures instead of enduring the pain and dismissing it as simply part of aging.
If you are experiencing foot pain or have an foot injury or infection, see your foot care specialist. It is also helpful to get a regular foot exam especially if you are over 60 years old and have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Best to see your podiatrist before your minor foot issues become a major problem.
For more information, you may contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com
Family Foot and Leg Center has several Centers from Collier, Lee, & Charlotte Counties to quickly resolve all your foot and ankle problems.
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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!
