In this guide, we'll explain why foot pain is so widespread in seniors and explore the most common causes. We'll also outline how to prevent and treat age-related foot issues and when to see a doctor about painful feet.
Foot pain can strike at any age, but you're more likely to experience it as an older adult. Around 25% of seniors have regular foot pain, and some people are more likely to develop the condition than others. The following risk factors increase the likelihood of sore or painful feet:
Painful feet can make it harder to move around and perform your everyday activities when left untreated. It can also impact your balance, increasing your risk of falls and reducing your overall quality of life.
Mild aching or discomfort in your feet can be a sign of natural aging. As you get older, wear and tear on the joints in your feet and thinning of the skin make foot disorders more likely. Therefore, seniors are more prone to conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, corns and ingrown toenails.
Fat pad atrophy is a common cause of foot pain in seniors. Older adults tend to lose fat from their feet, reducing the natural cushioning around their heels and the balls of the feet. This causes the bones to dig into the floor, leading to aches and pains.
Certain age-related conditions can also put your feet at risk. For instance, people with diabetes often experience poor circulation and nerve damage in their feet. When you sustain a foot wound, you may not notice the severity due to diabetes-related nerve damage. Reduced circulation and changes to your immune system increase the chances of developing a foot infection after an injury and often cause wounds to heal more slowly.
Gout is another condition that can lead to persistent, often severe, foot pain and is more common in older adults. This type of arthritis causes urate crystals to build up around a joint, including those in the feet, where they cause pain and inflammation.
While foot pain becomes more common as we age, it doesn't have to be inevitable. Scheduling regular foot care with a podiatrist can help you keep your feet healthy and pain-free. Your podiatrist can diagnose and treat emerging issues that you might not notice yourself before they turn into bigger, more painful problems. If you struggle to keep your toenails healthy, a podiatrist can also trim the nails to a more comfortable length. Between appointments, keep your feet clean to reduce the risk of infections and injuries.
A health care professional can recommend the right footwear to keep your feet in good condition. As you get older, your feet may change shape, requiring a different shoe size than the one you wore as a younger adult. Ensuring you wear comfortable, supportive shoes can help treat and even prevent foot issues.
In some cases, your health care provider may recommend wearing foot orthotics. These inserts slide inside your regular shoes to provide extra support and cushioning.
Treating preexisting health conditions, such as gout and diabetes, reduces the risk of foot complications developing. Therefore, following the treatment plan from your health care provider and keeping them informed of any new concerns is essential. The health care team at LifeStream at Youngtown can help you manage your medications if you need support.
While self-care and professional podiatry treatments can successfully manage many cases of foot pain, you should always see a doctor if you're worried about your symptoms. Signs you need to consult a doctor about foot pain include:
Occasionally, foot pain can be a sign of a medical emergency. Seek urgent care if you develop an open wound or significant pain or swelling after a foot injury. You should also go to the emergency room if you see signs of an infection, such as a high fever or redness, warmth and oozing around a wound. People with diabetes and other underlying health conditions should be particularly diligent about seeking care for foot pain.
