As a person ages, their feet age too, and this causes the feet of older adults to be more susceptible to painful conditions. One of the first differences in the feet is the thinning of the fat pads under the heels. As these natural cushions diminish, simply walking and standing can induce pain. In addition, as the skin begins to lose elasticity and dry out, older adults are more likely to develop cracked heels. If not cared for, cracked heels can become fissures that open the skin to bacterial and fungal infections. As women grow older, osteoporosis can set in, causing the bones to become more brittle. This can produce stress fractures from repetitive exercise, or even just from everyday activities. Osteoarthritis, which is the breakdown of cartilage between the bones of the foot’s many joints, is frequently diagnosed after the age of 65. This condition also increases the pain in the feet. For help with any of these foot issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for a thorough exam and treatment options. 

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.