Age-Related Foot & Ankle Problems
- Foot deformities
- Skin and nail changes
- Decreased bone strength
- Arthritis
- Other health problems
Deformities & Aging
- Bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, etc.
- Many are progressive conditions
- Symptoms get worse
- Can cause corns and calluses
- Foot gets stiffer
- More difficult to get relief from cushions, inserts or pads
Age-Related Skin Changes
- Skin becomes thinner
- Too much standing or walking
- Corns and calluses
- Cushioning becomes thinner
- Pain when standing or walking
Age-Related Toenail Changes
- Thickened or discolored
- Difficult to trim
- Fungal infections
Age-Related Bone Changes
- Bone density often decreases
- Can lead to osteoporosis
- Stress fractures
Arthritis
- Can develop in any joint
- Associated with “wear and tear” of the body
- Progresses with age
- Can occur in the big toe or ankle
- Makes walking difficult
- Can produce corns and calluses
Other Age-Related Health Problems
- Decreased ability to heal
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Gout
What Can You Do?
Foot Deformities: What to Do
- Non-surgical treatment options are always offered 1st
- Footwear modifications, padding, shoe inserts/customorthotics, injections, etc.
- Surgery
- Dr. Cottom will determine if this is advisable
Skin Problems: What to Do
- Self-examine your feet
- To help prevent cracks and cuts
- Moisturize your feet
- To help prevent corns and calluses
- Make sure your shoes fit properly
- To treat corns and calluses
- Surgeon can trim down
- Topical medicine
- Over-the-counter padding
Toenail Problems: What to Do
- See a foot and ankle surgeon
- Proper footwear
- Medication for fungal infection
- Trim toenails
Stress Fractures: What to Do
- Don’t overdo exercise
- Walk on good surfaces
- Wear supportive shoes
- Maintain good bone health
- See Dr. Cottom for an appropriate plan
Arthritis: What to Do
- Rest, Ice, Elevate the painful area
- Bracing
- Modify activities
- Proper footwear
- Injections (Cortisone or STEM cell)
- Surgery is a last resort that can correct the problem with a fusion or joint replacement
Visit Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center for Routine Foot Care
- Toenail trimming
- Corns
- Calluses
- Other problems
- We can provide all these services at Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center