What Are the Most Common Foot Problems in Older Adults? (2024)

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Foot Problems in Older Adults? ›

Morton neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are among the most common painful foot and ankle conditions.

Morton neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are among the most common painful foot and ankle conditions.

Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

Some common problems that a podiatrist treats in older adults are arthritis, bunions, calluses, and hammertoes. Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Bunions occur when the big toe bends inward towards the other toes.

Morton's neuroma is inflammation or thickening of the nerves between the metatarsal bones, which are the bones located between the toes. Usually found between the second, third and fourth bones of the foot, it is often caused by compression of the nerves that causes irritation and swelling.

Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.

If your shoes aren't a problem, you may have one of several conditions that cause foot pain. Arthritis, a fractured or broken bone, gout, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis can all make your feet hurt. You're more likely to have foot problems as you get older and your joints wear down.

Some of the most common foot problems in older adults include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown, thickened or discolored nails, diabetic foot conditions, poor circulation, and heel pain. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health as you age.

Common causes of foot pain include plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, Achilles tendonitis, osteoarthritis, ingrown toenail, corns and calluses, bunion, and hammer toe.

Palindromic rheumatism (PR) is an autoimmune related disease characterized by sudden, multiple, and recurring attacks of joint pain and swelling, typically in the hands and feet. Each episode may last from several hours to several days.

When should I be worried about my feet? ›

If you spot any of the following changes, you need to see your GP: tingling sensation or pins and needles (like numbness) pain (burning) a dull ache.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, tissue in the foot used during walking and foot movement. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors, including type of shoes, foot structure, overuse and types of walking surfaces. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain.

Common types. Conditions that may need surgery include bunions and hammer toes, ankle arthritis, Achilles tendon disorders and plantar fasciitis.

3) Nurture healthier skin and joints- Pedicures always begin with a spa foot soak. This softens the skin and promotes circulation in your lower leg, ankle and foot while disinfecting your feet. The increased circulation will reduce pain and swelling in your feet from sitting, standing and walking all day.

Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe) occurs when the joint at the base of the big toe stiffens. It is the most common arthritic condition in the foot and can make walking painful and difficult. Hallux rigidus usually develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.

A ruptured plantar fascia is almost always significantly more painful than plantar fasciitis. It also usually has a precursor, either plantar fasciitis or significant trauma. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it could worsen, weakening the plantar fascia to the point that it ruptures.

Three Rare Foot Disorders and How to Spot Them

Three unusual lower limb conditions that cause pain, mobility issues, and even deformities, are Kohler's disease, Freiberg's disease, and Maffucci syndrome. They are bone-related problems that mostly affect children or teenagers.

The most common are Kohler's disease, Maffucci syndrome, and Freiberg's disease. They can be properly diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, but in more serious cases an MRI may be needed. Kohler's disease generally affects younger boys and bone deterioration may result from an interruption of blood supply.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition of a person's arm, hand, leg or foot, which occurs after an injury, such as a fracture. Rarely, CRPS can affect other body parts, such as the face. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may last months or years.