Common foot problems in the elderly

Common Foot Problems in the Elderly

Our feet carry us through a lifetime of walking, working and standing, so it’s no surprise they change as we get older. Around one in three adults over 65 lives with foot pain, stiffness or aching, and for many it affects how far they can walk, how steady they feel and how independent they stay. The good news is that most common foot problems in older people can be managed well with the right care, and the earlier they’re picked up, the easier that is.

At East Gosford Podiatry, a large part of our work is helping older Central Coast residents stay comfortable and mobile, whether that’s in our clinic, at home or in an aged care facility.

How ageing changes your feet

The foot is a complex structure, with 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Over time, several natural changes can affect how it works and feels:

Thinning fat pads. The cushioning under the heel and ball of the foot wears thinner, so walking on hard surfaces can become uncomfortable.
Drier, thinner skin. Skin loses moisture and elasticity, making it more prone to cracks, hard skin and slow-healing sores.
Slower-growing, thicker nails. Toenails often thicken and become harder to cut, especially if eyesight, flexibility or hand strength is reduced.
Stiffer joints. Tendons and ligaments lose some flexibility, which can affect balance and the way you walk.
Reduced circulation and sensation. Blood flow and feeling in the feet can decrease, particularly with diabetes, meaning small injuries can go unnoticed and take longer to heal.

Common foot problems in older adults

Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe that forms as the big toe gradually angles towards the smaller toes. Bunions are more common in women and become more likely with age. Narrow shoes, family history and some types of arthritis all play a part. As they progress, bunions can make footwear painful and affect balance.

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that build up under repeated pressure or friction. Older people are more prone to them because of thinner fat pads and changes in foot shape. They can make walking uncomfortable and, for people with diabetes or poor circulation, the pressure beneath them can lead to ulcers if not managed carefully.

Hammer toes

Hammer toes occur when one or more of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint and stays that way. The raised joint rubs against shoes, often causing corns on the top of the toe. Hammer toes can make it harder to find comfortable footwear and to walk confidently.

Toenail problems

Thickened nails, fungal nail infections and ingrown toenails are all common in older adults. Thick or curved nails can be difficult to cut safely at home, and ingrown toenails can become painful and infected if left untreated. Regular professional nail care is often the simplest way to stay on top of them.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout can all affect the joints of the feet and ankles, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and changes in foot shape. A podiatrist can help with footwear advice, orthotics, padding and exercises to reduce pain and keep you moving.

Diabetes-related foot problems

Diabetes can damage the nerves (peripheral neuropathy) and reduce blood flow to the feet, increasing the risk of ulcers and infection. Because feeling in the feet may be reduced, problems can develop without any pain to warn you. Regular foot checks are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious complications. Read more about our diabetic foot care.

Poor circulation

Peripheral arterial disease and other circulation problems reduce blood flow to the feet. Signs include cold feet, cramping in the calves when walking, shiny skin and cuts that are slow to heal. Your podiatrist can assess your circulation, monitor changes and refer you to your GP when further investigation is needed.

Heel pain

Conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy can make the first steps of the day, or standing for any length of time, very painful. Treatment usually involves footwear changes, stretching, strengthening and custom orthotics where needed. Learn more about heel pain treatment.

Foot problems and falls

Foot pain, reduced sensation, stiff joints and poorly fitting shoes all increase the risk of falls in older people. Something as simple as a painful corn can change the way you walk and make you less steady on your feet. Treating foot problems, choosing supportive footwear and keeping the feet and ankles strong are practical ways to reduce that risk.

Why regular foot checks matter

Many foot problems are easy to manage when caught early but harder to treat once they progress. Regular podiatry appointments allow us to:

Keep nails, corns and calluses under control before they become painful
Check circulation and sensation, particularly for people with diabetes
Pick up early signs of skin breakdown, infection or changes in foot shape
Review footwear and recommend changes as your feet change

For most older adults, a check-up every six to eight weeks for routine care, plus an annual comprehensive assessment, keeps things on track. People with diabetes or circulation problems may need to be seen more often.

Podiatry for older adults on the Central Coast

East Gosford Podiatry provides care for older patients in our East Gosford and Central Mangrove clinics, in more than 20 aged care facilities and group homes, and through home podiatry visits for people who find it difficult to get to the clinic.

Our care for older adults includes:

General foot assessments and routine foot care
Nail care, including thickened, fungal and ingrown toenails
Removal of corns and calluses
Diabetes foot assessments and ongoing monitoring
Circulation and sensation checks
Footwear advice and custom orthotics
Biomechanical assessments for pain, balance and walking concerns
Individual care plans based on your health, lifestyle and goals

Medicare and DVA referrals are accepted for eligible patients.

Book an appointment

Whether it’s a painful toenail, ongoing hard skin or a general foot check, our team can help you stay comfortable and on your feet. We see patients from across the Central Coast, including Gosford, Wyoming, Erina and Green Point. Call us on 02 4325 0600 to book an appointment.

We Accept Patients from all over the Central Coast

If you are in East Gosford and surrounding suburbs and are in need of a Podiatry appointment due to lower limb or feet issues you may need orthotics. Please contact our clinic on (02) 4325 0600