It’s normal to encounter foot problems as we age as our feet take a beating throughout our lifetime, meaning they’re often one of the first body parts to develop issues. Specific foot problems are more common with age, and learning about the symptoms and causes of each condition can help prevent them or make them more easily manageable.

Common Foot Problems in Seniors

Arthritis

Arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and inflammation, is a common foot condition in older adults. Symptoms of foot arthritis include stiffness, pain, and swelling. The pain is often worse with activity and may worsen in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Any type of Arthritis can affect your feet, but the three most common are:

  • Osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear of the joints
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis caused by injury

Treatment Options: Avoid high-impact activities such as running and opt for lower-impact activities such as yoga or swimming. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints. Try foot and ankle exercises to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength.

Bunions

Bunions form when the big toe (or little toe) joint moves out of place due to pressure, causing the affected toe to develop a bulging bump. The condition causes inflammation of the tendon that connects to the heel of the calf, and common symptoms include discomfort or swelling in the back of your heel, tight calf muscles, and difficulty walking.

Treatment Options: Wear flat shoes that give toes plenty of space to move around and spend more time without shoes (if possible) to strengthen your foot muscles and allow your toes and feet to be in their natural alignment. Correcting the alignment through surgery is the only way to treat the source of bunion symptoms.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses often get lumped together, but they have slight differences. Corns are circles of thick skin that commonly form on the toes or soles of the feet, while calluses are hard, rough patches of skin that are typically yellow in color and form on the balls of the feet. Corns form when people wear shoes that don’t fit properly, like shoes that are too big, causing friction. A callus can develop in areas on the foot where the skin rubs against something and is more likely to appear on the heel since it takes the most force when walking or exercising. 

Treatment Options: Soak calluses or corns in warm water for 5-10 minutes and gently remove the hardened dead skin with a pumice stone. Use a pad to prevent friction and pressure on calluses and corns. Some over-the-counter creams and products can help soften the skin, but your best bet would be to see a podiatrist to determine the best treatment strategy.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis refers to pain in the bottom of your foot, heel, and around the arch of your foot. The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band that connects the heel to the toes and can become inflamed through overuse or poor support. When pressure is applied, people with plantar fasciitis will notice pain in their heel or midfoot.

Treatment Options: Someone whose plantar fascia is overworked would benefit from basic treatments such as ice to reduce inflammation, resting, taping the foot, or wearing orthotics to relieve tension.

Personalized Care at Essential Care

Our compassionate caregivers at Essential Care can help you with various tasks, including assisting you with transportation to medical appointments. If you have foot-related issues, you’ll have someone with you to ensure you make it to your appointments safely. Call Essential Care today to find the best personalized care plan for you or your loved ones!