Common Foot Problems with Seniors Part I

Senior citizens are prone to develop physical problems at the age of senility and fragility. Foot problems are more common than other problems in terms of frequency. A study on human anatomy at ripe age shows that 87% of older people suffer from many foot problems. Here is a look at different common foot problems for seniors so that they can learn what to do when they develop these foot problems.

A Look at Different Foot Problems

Foot problems for the seniors include arthritis, imbalance disorders, muscle weakness, calluses, corns, bony prominences, vascular-related disorders, diabetic ulcers, nail problems, poor circulation, loss of sensation, skin rashes, skeletal deformities and weight bearing imbalance.

The feet are open to bacterial and fungal conditions due to warm humid conditions within shoes. These conditions surface with symptoms like redness, dry skin, blisters, peeling and itching. Keeping the area between the toes dry and clean, changing socks and shoes often and using foot powder are several modes to prevent fungal infections.

Pressure and friction cause corns and calluses due to rubbing of bony parts of the feet against the shoes. Wearing shoes with special pads that suitably fit the feet can sometimes help.

The joints in the big toe when they become tender and swollen give rise to bunions. Bunions grow intolerable when they become severely painful. Wearing loose fitting shoes, using pads and taping the feet that cushion the bunions can remove the pain. Other treatments for bunions include shoe inserts or orthotic devices and physical therapy. Cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed for pain. The joint can be also relieved through surgery.

Ingrown toenails take place when a nail piece breaks the skin due to improper cutting of nails. Occurrence of ingrown toenails is common to the large toes. Straight cut of the toenail at the level with the tip of the toe can keep ingrown toenails away.

Hammertoe commonly occurs when the tendons that control movement of the toes are shortened. The toe joint enlarges as well as stiffens due to rubbing against shoes. Wearing stockings and shoes with plenty of space for toes is good for hammertoes.

Bones of the feet develop spurs due to pressure and arthritis. Spurs are also caused by strain of the feet muscles. Being overweight, wearing tight-fitting shoes and standing for a long time worsen spurs. Spurs are at times painless and sometimes painful. Heel spurs are the most common, can be treated by using heel pads, heel cups and foot supports.

Warts are a viral foot condition. Warts are at times painful and spread further if left untreated. Prescription drugs hardly cure warts. In office therapy is often a recommendation to treat warts.  They can resemble callouses but often have tiny "pin point" areas of bleeding within the tissue.

Degeneration of the foot joints gradually speeds up with age and activity. Some such aging phenomenons are circulatory impairment, tearing of cartilage, muscle strain, stress fractures and tearing of soft other tissues leave elders exposed to various foot problems.

Alert your physician if you suspect any of these conditions.

Dr. Maasi J.Smith / www.MyBadFeet.com, 
 "Foot Care From The Dr. Who Cares"