The average, reasonably healthy adult will have put over one hundred thousand miles on their feet over the course of a lifetime. All those miles really take a toll on your poor old feet and ankles. While some age-related problems are largely inevitable, many foot and ankle conditions can be avoided or minimized by taking good care of your feet. Making regular visits with your foot doctor to catch and treat problems like hammertoes before they worsen.
1) Toenail abnormalities—Getting on in years causes your toenails to become thicker and more brittle. Decreased blood circulation depletes your immune system causing an increased susceptibility to fungal toenail and bacterial infections. The thickened and curved toenails are more difficult to trim properly and ingrown toenails are more common. See your foot doctor for help in properly cutting your toenails to avoid cuts and infections.
2) Pain and swelling from arthritis—Various types of arthritis often affect the feet and ankles as you get older. Pain and stiffness in the big toe joints (hallux rigidus) and ankle joints can be very debilitating and greatly decrease mobility.
3) Decreased balance—Inner ear problems combined with numbness in the feet caused by peripheral neuropathy can lead to falls and injuries. Properly fitted shoes with custom orthotic inserts and balance braces can help prevent falls.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort with your old feet, contact your podiatrist to get relief. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.
