Foot problems are a natural part of the aging process. They arise from the normal daily wear and tear of joints as well as thinning skin that becomes more fragile due to dryness and a loss of elasticity.
We typically begin to see foot problems in our 40s and 50s, with some of the problems getting more severe or numerous as we age. Below is a list of the most common foot issues affected by age, as well as a look at some treatment options to reduce foot pain for each condition.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is often a reality of aging. Osteoarthritis is what we think of as wear-and- tear arthritis: that inevitable consequence of years of stress on the joints. The ankle joint, subtalar joint, and the big toe joint (first MTPJ) are three joints that frequently develop arthritis, which can significantly impact mobility in older people.
Symptoms associated with hammer toes and bunions may worsen over time due to the progression of arthritis within those toe joints. Another joint problem that can develop in older adults is gouty arthritis. Gout is a metabolic disease that often manifests as intense arthritis symptoms at the big toe joint.
As these conditions advance, they can contribute to pain and swelling, further affecting overall foot health. The effects of arthritis tend to increase with age, making it even more important for seniors to prioritize proper foot care and supportive arthritis footwear.
2. Circulatory Changes and Foot and Ankle Swelling
One of the most common foot and ankle problems associated with aging is swelling. The cause of the swelling can be elusive, especially if it's not associated with an injury. Leg vein problems are a common cause of swelling and usually occur in a single limb at a time. Cardiovascular disease, certain medications, and hormonal changes are possible causes of swelling that occur in both limbs. One solution to swelling can be wearing footwear that provides extra depth and a wide toe box, such as our women’s shoes for swollen feet and our swollen shoes for men.
3. Bunions
Bunions are a result of years of added pressure on the balls of the feet that force the toes out of alignment and eventually cause the big toe joint to stick out. This creates not only an unattractive bump, but a painful one as well. Women who wear pointy-toed shoes frequently and for a long period of time commonly suffer from this condition.
Treatment options to prevent bunions from getting worse vary depending upon the severity of the bunion and the amount of pain it causes, but include switching to roomy shoes with a wide toe box.
Wide-toe box shoes help alleviate pressure on bunions. Other ways to help improve this foot condition include:
- Using OTC non-medicated bunion pads
- Taking pain medication
- Applying ice to the bunions after a long day of standing
- Wearing supportive orthopedic insoles or buying specifically designed shoes for bunions
4. Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a deformity of the toe in which the muscle or ligament surrounding the toe joint is imbalanced. This causes the middle joint of the toe to bend and get stuck in a claw-like position. The bad news is that without proper treatment, hammertoe will get progressively worse and might require surgery to fix it.
The good news is that discomfort can be treated with simple exercises such as picking up marbles with the afflicted toe, stretching the toe manually several times a day, and wearing hammer-toe shoes. This footwear is designed with a unique combination of comfort, support, and functionality to address the challenges of bent toe joints for pain relief. If the pain gets very sever, your podiatrist can use a cortisone injection for pain relief. Surgery is the last option and is only considered when the hammertoe cannot be corrected non-surgically.
5. Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is caused by a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes. Neuromas most often appear between the 3rd and 4th toes and can be extremely painful. The severity of the symptoms determine the treatment needed. A possible treatment option is shoes for Morton’s neuroma, which are designed to alleviate pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot, providing support and advanced cushioning to help reduce pressure on the nerve.
6. Heel Pain
Heel pain is another common foot problem that generally begins in the 40s and 50s. One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, results from inflammation of the thick strand of tissue running along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. If left untreated, the pain can worsen over time, increasing the risk of altered gait and discomfort in other parts of the body. It may also correspond with an increase in physical activity or a change in footwear.
Initially, the pain starts off in the morning but then passes fairly easily. However, as the condition worsens, every step can become painful, potentially leading to balance issues that could contribute to falls in older adults. The quality of life can be significantly affected if proper treatment is not implemented.
Treatment options include:
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
- Applying ice and performing heel stretches to alleviate discomfort
- Undergoing physical therapy to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
- Receiving steroid injections for severe inflammation and pain relief
- Wearing men's heel pain shoes and women's heel pain shoes for better support and pressure distribution
7. Calluses
Calluses, which are not to be confused with corns, are a result of too much pressure or friction on the bottom of the foot. Ill-fitting shoes are a common culprit for this foot problem. Frequently wearing shoes or sandals without socks can also cause calluses. If left untreated, calluses can lead to cracked skin, increasing discomfort and the potential for infection. Generally, calluses are treated by gently scraping and/or trimming the build-up of hard tissue. Wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes with good shock absorbing soles can also help alleviate pressure on the calluses and prevent future build-up. For optimal care, consider investing in the best shoes for calluses and corns.
8. Corns
Unlike calluses, corns usually form on the top of the feet or toes over a bone or joint. Corns are typically dense and have even greater thickness at their center. They can cause discomfort and make walking or running with shoes uncomfortable. There are several different types of corns, but most can be treated in the same way.
Treatment options include:
- Wearing wide-toe box shoes to reduce pressure on toe joints
- Using moleskin pads to cushion the sore and minimize friction on the skin
- Wearing orthotics that, when paired with supportive orthopedic shoes, help redistribute weight and relieve pressure
- Having a professional trim thickened areas of the corn (this should not be done at home)
- Considering surgery as a last resort if other treatments fail
9. Degenerative Diseases
Certain degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, can start to manifest in your 40s. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and tenderness in the joints accompanied by loss of flexibility and possibly a grinding sensation during movement. Osteoarthritis requires special treatment, so a doctor should be contacted for care as soon as possible.
10. Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury and most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly started running longer distances and/or more frequently. “Weekend Warriors” (middle-aged people who run, play tennis or basketball only on the weekends) also frequently get this foot problem. The pain is due to an injury of the Achilles tendon – the band of tissue connecting the calf muscles of the lower, back leg to the heel bone. In addition, this condition can cause muscular imbalance issues. The good news is that it’s fairly easy to treat.
Anyone suffering from Achilles tendinitis should begin by reducing the activity levels and stretching and strengthening the calf muscles.
Additional treatments include:
- Wearing specially designed Achilles tendinitis shoes
- Icing the area after exercising or when experiencing pain
- Elevating the foot to reduce swelling
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication
- Choosing shoes with arch support and a soft padded collar to relieve pressure on the back of the heel
11. Diabetes
With diabetes, risk increases with age and patients who have diabetes often experience neuropathy, or decreased sensitivity to pain.
Consequently, injuries can go undetected and result in infection and a diabetic ulcer. In addition, poor blood flow and oxygenation to the legs can affect the healing process. It is critical that diabetics receive proper care for all aspects of their illness including diabetic neuropathy. The doctor may suggest shoes designed specifically for the diabetic foot.
12. Nail Fungus
Fungal infections occur as a result of too much fungi under, in, or on the toenails. Moist, warm environments are where fungi thrive. Fungal infections are most effectively treated with oral medication prescribed by a doctor.
Topical creams are not usually recommended simply because they are rarely effective. For diabetics who have a nail fungus, it’s especially important to see a doctor, as a nail fungus can cause serious complications later on if not treated.
13. Clogged Sweat Glands or Parakeratosis
While perspiration is an important skin function that helps regulate body temperature, sweat glands that become clogged can cause health problems. Parakeratosis is a general term applied to different skin conditions that block sweat glands. The bumps parakeratosis cause can sometimes be confused with corns, but they are two entirely different problems.
The bumps created by this skin condition can make walking and even wearing shoes very painful. In addition, the lesions can later become cancerous if not treated. To treat parakeratosis, certain medications might be prescribed and the lesions excised. Managing the problem includes limiting sun exposure, washing your feet thoroughly and regularly and wearing soft, breathable shoes.