Approximately one quarter of the bones in the body are located in the feet. The feet are responsible for supporting the body’s weight by acting as shock absorbers and maintaining balance. One third of people who are older than 65 have foot problems, which may be a result of a diminished ability to exercise, having drier skin, and being overweight. Additionally, the fat pads in the heel may become smaller leading to flattened arches. Some of the common foot problems experienced by many seniors include bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and gout. Bunions and hammertoes may develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Gout is a form of arthritis, and can come from genetic factors or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. This condition can cause debilitating pain, and it is advised to avoid eating these types of foods. Elderly people can practice good foot care by performing proper foot hygiene, applying lotion to the skin, and wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly. For additional information about how to care for elderly feet, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

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.