Rosemarie Danchik had never set foot in the office of a podiatrist until she broke her foot at the age of 61. After sustaining a fall while putting away Christmas decorations, she had to use a wheelchair for mobility as she waited for reconstructive surgery. Fractures are more common with age as bones gradually lose calcium and density, making them more vulnerable to breaking. While not every older person experiences this, many other foot problems do tend to increase over time and can sometimes serve as early warning signs of underlying health conditions. Changes in bone strength, joint alignment, and balance may lead to discomfort, instability, or recurring injuries that should not be ignored.
Aging also affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the feet and ankles, often resulting in stiffness, weakness, or reduced flexibility. These changes can increase the need for ongoing podiatric care to help maintain mobility and prevent complications. In addition, certain systemic conditions—such as diabetes—may first be detected through routine foot exams, as symptoms like poor circulation, nerve changes, or slow-healing wounds often appear in the feet early on. At Sunshein Podiatry, our comprehensive evaluations and preventive care plans are tailored to the unique needs of seniors, helping identify potential issues in elderly feet early and providing treatment options designed to keep patients comfortable, active, and supported as they age.
What Problems Are Most Common in Elderly Feet?
Several changes affect our foot health and overall mobility as we get older. Separating these concerns helps highlight why routine podiatric care is especially important for seniors. Here are some other issues we commonly treat in our Centerville office:
- Bone density loss. Reduced bone strength can increase the risk of stress fractures and breaks in the feet and ankles, making falls and minor injuries more serious.
- Poor circulation. Decreased blood flow slows healing, increases sensitivity to temperature changes, and raises the risk of ulcers or infections, particularly for seniors with diabetes or vascular conditions.
- Dry, thinning skin. Aging skin produces less natural oil, which leads to cracked heels, calluses, and open sores that may become painful or infected if not treated properly.
- Brittle or thickened nails. Toenails are often more difficult to trim, prone to splitting, or susceptible to fungal infections and ingrown toenails.
- Reduced balance and flexibility. Changes in muscle strength and joint mobility significantly impact stability, thereby increasing the likelihood of falls and foot-related injuries.
By addressing each of these issues individually, our foot and ankle specialists at Sunshein Podiatry create personalized care plans that help you or a loved one maintain healthier feet, better balance, and a more active lifestyle. Since 1991, people throughout the greater Dayton area have put their trust in our personalized attention and dedication to long-term health.