Fat Pad Atrophy: Getting older often can bring on extra weight and fat. But the one place you can lose padding is in your feet. That’s bad, because you need the cushioned layer to protect your tootsies from daily pounding. You may feel pain in the ball of your foot and heel. Shoes with cushions or custom-made foam shoe inserts called orthotics may help. Or your foot doctor may suggest another treatment like filler injections to replace the fat pad.
Morton’s Neuroma: Morton’s Neuroma is a very common foot condition. As many as one in three people may have it. Symptoms include pain in the front part of your foot or a feeling like you’re walking on a rock or a marble. It happens way more often in older women and in those who wear high heels or shoes with a tight toe box. Switching footwear, shoe pads, and massage may help. If your pain gets severe, your doctor may suggest steroid shots or surgery.
Cracked Heels : Mature skin makes less oil and elastin, which leaves it drier and less supple. Without regular care, your heels may harden, crack, or hurt. Being overweight worsens the problem. Special creams called keratolytics help slough off the tough top layer. Follow up with a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Apply moisturizing lotion every day. If your heels get swollen and red, talk to your doctor. You may need a prescription ointment.
Plantar Fasciitis: Got pain on the bottom of your heels? This condition is the No. 1 reason for it. The plantar fascia is a long ligament that runs along the sole of your foot and supports your arch. Repeated stress, like jogging, or even everyday strain can irritate it, causing pain and stiffness. If you have high arches or are overweight, you may be more prone to this problem. Rest, ice, over-the-counter pain meds, and calf muscle stretches can help.
Ingrown Toenails : Sometimes, the side of a nail (usually on the big toe) grows into the skin. It can happen at any age, but it’s more common in older folks. Your toe may swell, hurt, and get infected. Sweaty feet, being overweight, and diabetes all add up and raise your chances for an ingrown toenail. To prevent it, avoid cutting your toenails too short or wearing tight shoes. In severe cases, your doctor may have to remove the nail root.
Osteoarthritis: By the time you reach your 50th birthday, your feet may have trekked 75,000 miles or more. All that wear and tear or a previous injury can lead to osteoarthritis. It happens when cartilage, a flexible tissue that prevents friction, breaks down. That lets bone rub against bone. Most people who get it are over 65.
Flat Foot : Many babies are born with flat feet, but more than 80% outgrow it. Some adults get flat feet because of an injury or things like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Tendons that support your arch get damaged and flatten your feet. It can hurt. A giveaway is that your feet jut out, so most of your toes are visible from behind your leg. Normally, you’d see only the fourth and fifth toes. Orthotics, physical therapy, braces, and surgery can help.
Achilles Tendinitis : The Achilles is the tendon you use to flex your foot when you climb stairs or go up on your toes. Age and lowered blood supply can weaken the tendon. Your heel or the back of your ankle may hurt. Rest, icing, and medication can help fight the swelling. Don’t ignore the problem. You could need surgery for serious tears.
(WebMD)
What can go wrong with your feet as you age
