What are common foot problems in older adults? That’s an important question and one with many answers, including fungal infections, neuropathy, and hammertoe.
As we age, our bodies undergo many changes. Our feet are no exception. Aging can lead to different podiatric conditions that can cause discomfort and even limit our mobility, all of which can have a negative effect on our overall quality of life. Today, Dr. Danielle Malin, a podiatrist serving Lewisburg, TN, shares insight into one of the most common questions she’s asked, which is: what are some of the most common foot problems in older adults?
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common issues that you’re likely to experience with age. It’s a condition that causes inflammation of the joints, and it can affect any joint in the body, including those of the feet. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can make it difficult to walk and perform your day-to-day activities. There are many different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is common in people of all ages, but it’s especially prevalent in older adults. Plantar fasciitis is triggered when the band of tissue between your toe and heel bone gets swollen, and it’s caused by everything from overuse and obesity to wearing shoes that don’t provide the right type of support. If you have plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist can help by prescribing physical therapy, inserts, or other treatments.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the feet and can cause numbness, pain, and tingling. It’s highly common among older adults and is caused by chemotherapy, diabetes, alcoholism, and other contributing factors. Neuropathy can be dangerous because a loss of sensation in the feet can make it hard to tell if you’ve been injured. If you’re diabetic, especially, you should have a close relationship with your podiatrist.
Bunions
Bunions are uncomfortable protrusions that develop on the side of the big toe. They can get large enough to make it difficult to wear your favorite shoes. Bunions are prevalent in both genders, but women who wore high heels for much of their adult years are most at risk.
Corns And Calluses
On the surface, corns and calluses don’t like they’d be a problem. However, the thickening of the skin of the feet is more than just an annoyance. These are painful and, like other conditions of the feet, can make it harder for you to enjoy your day-to-day activities that require walking.
Fungal Infections
Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are common among older adults. Both conditions can cause itching, burning, and cracking/scaling of the skin. Your podiatrist can evaluate your feet and help you get the right medication to treat recurrent athlete’s foot and other infections.
If you’re an adult over the age of 65, you don’t have to accept these types of issues as normal. Your podiatrist can get you back on your feet doing the activities you love. Contact the office of Dr. Danielle Malin today to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Danielle Malin, DPM of Premier Foot & Ankle Care in Columbia, TN, specializes in treating foot and ankle pain, Achilles tendinitis, warts, nail disorders, hammertoe, bunions, and more. She is a skilled foot and ankle surgeon who offers personalized patient care through her full-service office. Dr. Malin is unique among local podiatrists in that she makes house calls so that she can best care for her diverse patient base. Premier Foot & Ankle Care care treats both adult and pediatric patients. A staff physician at Maury Regional Medical Center, Dr. Malin is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.
