Since age slows collagen production and cell turnover, aging skin is at an increased risk of health conditions. A lifetime of standing and walking also puts stress on the feet, leading to podiatric problems. While a podiatrist will identify the best treatment for your symptoms, here’s an overview of common ways to resolve different conditions you may already have.

For Seniors: How to Address Common Foot Conditions

1. Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses are round, thick patches of skin. They typically form on areas that withstand constant pressure from shoes, such as the heels and tops and sides of toes.

Wearing foot pads and orthopedic footwear can minimize pressure and reduce the risk of developing these issues. If you already have them, moisturizing and removing dead skin with pumice stones may soften their textures.

2. Hammertoe

Regularly wearing shoes that crowd the toes eventually causes hammertoe, a condition in which one or more toes remain permanently bent or curled.

Mild conditions are usually treatable with wide orthopedic shoes that give the toes enough room to remain straight. However, if you experience severe foot pain, a doctor might recommend surgery to correct the affected tendons.

3. Poor Circulation

Numerous factors cause poor blood flow in the feet, including a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, blood clots, and diabetes. Edema, or tissue swelling caused by congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, may also lead to poor circulation.

Treatment depends on the cause, but it often includes elevating the legs and performing low-impact exercises like walking. Since diabetes-related circulatory issues increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections, your podiatrist may recommend additional steps like consistent foot cleansing to prevent infection.

4. Fat Pad Loss

The fat stores in your foot pads diminish with age, causing discomfort when walking and standing. Wearing shoes without sufficient cushioning, taking cortisone injections to reduce swelling, and straining yourself during exercise can accelerate this tissue loss.

If you have this condition, wearing highly cushioned orthotic footwear can decrease pain. For a long-term solution, your doctor might recommend filler injections to replenish fat in the area.

Work with the podiatrists at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home to treat these and other foot ailments. Based in Gloversville, NY, this hospital serves residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities. Their Doctors of Podiatric Medicine prevent, diagnose, and treat common and complex conditions of the feet and ankles. Call (518) 725-8621 to make an appointment, or visit them online for additional information.