7 Common Foot Problems
Your feet have carried you through life. They have worked hard. So it is no surprise that your feet have changed with age. With some care, however, you can minimize any common age-related foot problems.
Here are the seven most common foot problems and what you can do to continue moving forward.
Fat Pad Atrophy
Gaining weight as we age is inevitable. Therefore, loss of foot padding may occur, causing fat pad atrophy. So, less cushion and pain in the heel and ball of your foot may occur. Shoe inserts help, and filler injections are common to replace the fat pad.
Morton’s Neuroma
One in three people have this condition, and this common foot problem affects mostly women. Wearing high-heels and tight shoes is the cause of Morton’s Neuroma. It feels like you are walking on a small pebble. Switch your shoes and massage your feet often to help reduce pain.
Also, see: High-heels Today Can Mean Foot Pain Tomorrow
Cracked Heels
As skin matures, it loses elastin, leaving it dry. Dry feet can lead to cracked heels, which can be painful. Being overweight can worsen this condition. Keratolytic creams and a pumice stone can help remove dead skin. Apply moisturizer daily and see your doctor if the heel becomes swollen. You may need a prescription ointment to help your cracked heels. So, call a foot doctor if it becomes untreatable at home.
Also, see: Prevent and Manage Dry Cracked Heels
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is the top cause of pain at the bottom of the heel. Repeated stress causes plantar fasciitis. Therefore, jogging, being overweight, and high arches are to blame. Rest, ice, and regular stretching will prevent the plantar fascia ligament from getting irritated.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows into the skin. It can swell and become infected, therefore, causing severe pain. Diabetes and being overweight will increase your risks. So, avoid tight shoes and cutting your nails too short to prevent this common foot problem.
Osteoarthritis
Your feet will have walked close to 75,000 miles by the time you are 50. Therefore, naturally wearing down muscles and joints. And causing osteoarthritis to develop. As the cartilage wears down, bones rub together, causing pain. Osteoarthritis is not curable. However, you can manage the pain with a pain management doctor or a podiatrist.
Flat Foot (Flat Feet)
Flat feet most often occur at a young age. However, obesity, diabetes, and injury can lead to flat feet. Therefore, tendons that support the then arch flatten. Physical therapy, braces, orthotics, and even surgery can help flat feet.
Also, see: How to Determine If You Have Flat Feet
Common Foot Problem Solutions
Foot problems are very common. In fact, 1 in 3 women over the age of 65 has foot pain, aching, or foot stiffness. So, follow this article, and when the time is right if you need to see a foot specialist then don’t hesitate. Call 888-409-8006 for more information on common foot problems and our top award-winning podiatrist.