What Are Common Foot Problems in Older Adults?

One area of the body that can often be overlooked when it comes to maintaining general health and wellness for seniors are the feet.

Unfortunately, foot problems in seniors are quite common. In fact, one in three people over the age of 65 report experiencing aching feet or stiffness.

That’s why understanding the ins and outs of elderly foot care should be a priority. In this post, we’ll break down common foot problems in older adults and offer advice on how to manage foot pain in elderly people through proper senior foot care.

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Elderly Foot Problems

Changes in the structure of elderly feet make seniors more at risk for developing chronic foot problems as they age. Elderly feet often experience the following changes:

• Decrease in fat padding in the soles
• Decrease in shock absorbency
• Decrease in overall muscle mass and strength
• Flattening of the arches
• Stiffening of the joints
• Thinning and drying of the skin
• Widening of the feet

Foot problems in the elderly often have a significant negative impact on mobility and quality of life. If left unchecked, elderly foot pain can lead to increased frailty as well as decreased motor performance and physical ability. However, with routine checkups and early intervention, seniors can practice proper elderly foot care to decrease pain, maintain mobility, and reduce the risk of falling.

What are Common Foot Problems in Older Adults?

Common foot problems in older adults include:

1. Acquired flatfoot

The parts of your feet that form the arches naturally weaken with age. Specifically, the posterior tibial tendon which runs along the inside of the foot and behind the ankle, is known to degrade from overuse or regular stress over time. This can cause pain, flattening of the arches, and a visible change to the shape of your feet known as acquired flatfoot.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis in the feet is common in older adults and causes pain, swelling, and inflammation of the joints. Though pain is usually worse with activity, it may also be worse after long periods of inactivity (such as after waking up in the morning).

3. Bunions

Bunions are one of the most common foot problems in the elderly. Bunions occur when the big toe begins to lean in toward the other toes causing a bump to develop on the joint of the big toe. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the bunion, but can range from mild discomfort to serious pain and numbness in the toes. In some cases, the big toe can crowd the other toes and lead to hammertoes or corns.

4. Calluses and corns

Calluses and corns are both caused by repeated friction that thickens the skin, but they have a few key differences.

Calluses can develop anywhere on the hands or feet and are usually not painful. Corns are caused by bones pressing up against the skin and generally appear on the top, in between, or on the edges of the toes. Unlike callouses, corns are generally small and have a hard center that is painful when pressed.

5. Fungal infections

Fungal infections are a common foot issue at any age, but seniors are more likely to experience toenail fungus or athlete’s foot. Toenail fungus is common among people with weakened immune systems, making elderly feet an easy target.

6. Gout

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that often targets the big toe. It occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body and causes crystals to form around the joints leading to intense pain, swelling and redness.

7. Hammertoe and claw toe

Hammertoe and claw toe are deformities in the foot caused by an imbalance between the muscles that bend the toes and the muscles that keep them straight.

Hammertoe causes the middle joint in your foot to bend, which causes the toe to bend down. It usually only affects the second toe, but can happen in all toes but the big toe. Claw toe often affects the four smaller toes at once, and causes the joints to bend down in a claw-like fashion.

Managing Foot Pain in Elderly People

If elderly feet aren’t kept healthy it can lead to serious health and mobility issues. However, it can become difficult for seniors to maintain their feet and nails as they age. That’s why as their loved one or caregiver, it may fall to you to take over the job. When it comes to elderly foot care, you need to consider toenail care, proper hygiene, footwear selection, and promoting circulation.

You’ll want to watch for discoloration in the foot or toenails, sores or wounds that aren’t healing, and a tingling or burning sensation in the feet. If you notice discoloration or your loved one complains about discomfort, visit their primary care physician to ensure these are not signs of complications from diabetes or other serious conditions.

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