It's natural for human bodies to gradually become more fragile with age, and develop signs of chronic conditions. For example, did you know that about one-third of people in their sixties show signs of foot pain induced by aging feet?
Our feet support our body weight and undergo various wears and tears, which is why foot problems frequently occur as we age. Want to know more? Scroll down!
In this post; we’ll cover five foot problems that you need to watch for in aging feet.
1. Fat Pad Atrophy
To prevent painful conditions in your feet, you may consider visiting a podiatrist. Not only can they help prevent such issues, but they can also help ease and perhaps even cure the pain! Thanks to technology and developed medical techniques, facilities are available everywhere, and you can visit for aid. For more information, consult a NJ podiatrist or one near you for all your foot and ankle needs.
One such painful issue that plagues the elderly is known as fat pad atrophy. With age, our muscle mass decreases while our bodies’ fat mass increases, leading to weight gain. And, as our body weight increases, our feet can struggle to provide adequate support to carry the weight.
That's a problem because the cushioned layer protects your feet from everyday hammering.
Furthermore, you may experience pain in your foot's ball area and heel. Shoes with cushions or orthotics, which are custom-made foam shoe inserts, may help relieve the pain. If your foot pain symptoms are as such, you must consult a reliable podiatrist near you for treatment.
2. Morton’s Neuroma
Among the most common foot problems to watch for in aging feet is the condition known as Morton’s neuroma. This condition is so common that one in three people suffer from it!
When deducing whether you are suffering from Morton’s neuroma, the symptoms to look out for are:
- pain in the ball of your foot
- or the sensation that you're walking on a stone.
It's far more common among mature ladies and people who wear narrow shoes like high heels. For foot pain relief, massage and trying out different shoes could help. Your doctor may recommend surgery or steroid shots if your pain becomes severe.
3. Cracked Heels
As we grow older, our body slowly starts to deteriorate, and once you go for a check-up, that’s when you truly realize that you are, in fact, no longer in your prime physical shape. Our skin is one of the many parts of our body that show the earliest signs of wear and tear. Cracked heels are one of the frequent problems faced by the elderly.
With age, our skin tends to produce less oil and elastin, making it drier and less elastic. Heels that aren't cared for regularly can harden, crack, and ache. The condition becomes even more severe in obese people. This is another reason you need to take extra care of your health after hitting age 30.
As for a possible solution, the rough outer layer can be removed with the aid of keratolytic, specialized lotions. After application, use a pumice stone to scrub off any remaining dead skin. Use a deep moisturizer to keep your skin supple. Heel pain, redness, and swelling are all signs that you should visit the doctor. Perhaps a medicated cream can help.
4. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is among the severe conditions to watch out for in aging feet. The first symptom is feeling pain at the bottom of the heel.
A critical ligament that helps maintain your arch is the plantar fascia, which stretches from heel to toe down the bottom of your foot. Jogging and other repetitive stresses, as well as the normal wear and tear of daily life, can aggravate it, resulting in pain and stiffness. People who are overweight or have high arches may be more likely to experience this issue. This pain can be alleviated with rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stretches.
5. Ingrown Toenails
Among the foot problems to watch for in aging feet, ingrown toenails are common but not only exclusive to elders. It can happen to pretty much anyone, at any age. This occurs when your big toe nail starts growing into your skin.
It's not age-specific; nonetheless, the elderly are disproportionately affected. There is a chance that your toe will swell, ache, and become infected. Many factors increase the likelihood of developing an ingrown toenail, including sweaty feet, excess body fat, and diabetes. Avoid this condition by not wearing tight shoes or trimming your toenails too short. If the problem persists, your doctor may even recommend removing the nail root.
In Conclusion
The key takeaway here is that as you grow older, you need to be more aware of your overall health, including your feet. Any pain or discomfort needs to be addressed before it becomes a serious condition.
To conclude if your symptoms match with any of these five foot problems, seek professional help immediately.