What Are the Most Common Foot Problems in Older Adults? (2024)

FAQs

What are 7 common foot problems? ›

Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

As we get older, an annual foot health check is as important as a sight or hearing test. Conditions like diabetes or circulatory problems can all be picked up by looking at the feet, and common problems like corns, cracked skin and ingrown toenails can be successfully treated.

And many foot problems, including hammertoes, blisters, bunions, corns and calluses, claw and mallet toes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot, can develop due to neglect, ill-fitting shoes, and simple wear and tear, says Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist who practices in Maryland and Washington D.C.

Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osem*ne, is an expert in treating these conditions and the discomfort they can cause. Two of the most common foot and ankle deformities are bunions and hammertoes.

Some of the most common foot problems in older adults include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown, thickened or discolored nails, diabetic foot conditions, poor circulation, and heel pain. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health as you age.

Arthritis, which causes pain and inflammation in the joints, is a common foot condition in older adults. Any type of arthritis can affect your feet, but the three most common are: Osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear” of the joints) Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease.

Skin Changes

Dry soles are a common problem that results from less cushioning on the sole of the foot. This reduction in cushioning is a result of fat loss that occurs as feet age. The fat pads on the bottom of the feet diminish with age, placing additional stress on the skin, which dries out and cracks.

Over time, the natural cushioned layer underneath your heel and the ball of your foot begin to thin out. As you can imagine, your aching feet are the result of flatter and less flexible arches, causing pain and your foot gets longer and wider than it used to be.

Three unusual lower limb conditions that cause pain, mobility issues, and even deformities, are Kohler's disease, Freiberg's disease, and Maffucci syndrome. They are bone-related problems that mostly affect children or teenagers.

What are three common foot problems which may require assistance of a podiatrist? ›

Some common problems that a podiatrist treats in older adults are arthritis, bunions, calluses, and hammertoes.

1. Plantar Fasciitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fascia—a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes—becomes inflamed.

Cavus foot is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch. Though uncommon in young children, cavus foot can occur at any age and affect one or both feet. Cavus feet can look different depending on how high the arch is, what is causing the condition, and if the condition is causing pain.

Metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-SAL-juh) is a condition in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You might develop it if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose.