As we age, our bodies change, and we can experience many new health problems. One area that often starts to give us trouble is our feet. Here, we will discuss some of the most common foot problems older adults face.
Symptoms And Causes Of Common Foot Problems!
Contents
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
- Arthritis. In the foot, arthritis most commonly affects the big toe and causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness in the joint. It can also affect other joints in the foot, making it painful to walk. Common symptoms of arthritis are swelling, redness and warmth around a joint, joint stiffness or limitation in motion of a joint, and pain.
- Bunions. A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint where the toe bends when you walk. The deformity can worsen if left untreated and can lead to other foot problems such as hammertoe and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).
- Corns and calluses. Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hard skin that develop on the feet in response to pressure or friction. They most often occur on the soles of the feet, especially under bony prominences such as the heel or ball of the foot. Corns tend to be smaller and have a definite center, while calluses are larger and more diffuse. Both can cause pain when walking.
- Flat feet ( fallen arches). Flat feet (also called fallen arches) are a condition in which the foot’s arch collapses, resulting in flat feet. This can happen when ligaments or tendons in the foot loosen or deteriorate with age, causing the arch to fall. It may also be present at birth (congenital). Flat feet can cause pain in the heel, arch, ankle, and lower leg.
- Heel spurs. Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone the calcaneus. They are often a result of repetitive trauma to the foot, such as overuse, tight shoes, or obesity. Heel spurs can also be caused by arthritis or tendonitis in the foot. Heel spurs can be painful and make it difficult to walk. If you have heel pain, see your doctor to find out if you have a heel spur.
- Metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot the area behind the big toe. It is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels. An injury can also cause Metatarsalgia to the foot, arthritis, or a neuroma (a benign growth of nerve tissue).
- Neuroma. A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue in the foot. It most commonly develops between the third and fourth toes and causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. Neuromas can be painful and make it difficult to walk. If you have pain in your foot, see your doctor to find out if you have a neuroma.
- Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that will cause pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive trauma to the foot. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by arthritis or a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and can make walking difficult.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the foot. It occurs when the nerve that runs through the tarsal tunnel a narrow space in the ankle becomes squeezed or compressed. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by injury, inflammation, or a mass in the tarsal tunnel. It may also be present at birth (congenital). Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be painful and make it difficult to walk.
Conclusion
There are several ways that older adults can naturally cure foot problems. One way is to soak the feet in warm water for fifteen minutes each day. This will help to reduce swelling and pain in the feet. Another way to naturally cure foot problems is to massage the feet with olive oil and lemon juice. This will help to improve circulation and reduce pain. Finally, stretching exercises can also benefit older adults who suffer from foot problems.
Amanda Wingfield is a certified Diabetes Management Specialist who also holds an MD in Endocrinology, with certifications from ABIM and AACE. She has a decade of experience serving thousands of patients through her independent practice and has been working in the capacity of an expert diabetes consultant for the past 4 years. Ms. Wingfield is revered by her regular readers for her in-depth research and evidence-based analysis of diabetes medications, supplements, and treatments, and her highly critical style of writing.