Although foot problems may affect younger patients, there are several conditions that commonly begin to develop after 40 years of age.
Most of them are treatable and it’s even possible that some will resolve on their own.
Orthotics, proper shoes, and foot care products will help relieve some discomfort, but patients should always consult a podiatrist about pain and other foot and/or ankle conditons.
For women, years of wearing pointy-toed shoes may have shifted excess weight forward onto the balls of the feet, forcing the toes out of alignment.
Bunions may result from this added pressure, which causes the big toe joint to stick out, forming an unsightly and painful bump. The big toe itself is eventually forced to point toward the other toes.
Hammertoes are a toe deformity caused by a muscle/ligament imbalance around the toe joint. The middle joint of the toe bends and becomes stuck in a claw-like position.
Morton’s Neuromas form most often between the third and fourth toes. They involve a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes. These growths are extremely painful. Sufferers may feel like they are standing on a pebble.
Generally begins in the 40s as a mechanical problem causing inflammation. It may correspond with a change in footwear or activity level. Classic heel pain begins when the patient steps out of bed in the morning, but gradually improves and sufferers can “walk it off.”
As heel pain progresses, every step may be painful. Treatments include ice, stretching, anti-inflammatory treatment, and massage. Your podiatrist will help you choose the best treatment options for your pain.
From excess pressure or friction form on the bottom of the foot. Treat them with pumice stone, prescription softening cream, or have your podiatrist pare them down with a blade (under anesthesia to prevent pain). Your podiatrist may prescribe custom orthotics to prevent future calluses.
May begin to manifest themselves after 40. If you experience pain, tenderness, and stiffness in your joints, combined with loss of flexibility and a grinding sensation when you move, you may have osteoarthritis.
Is known as the “weekend warrior’s injury” in this age group. Take care not to over-exert yourself during physical activity, especially if you’re not used to it. Warm up before you exercise, and stretch afterward.
Risk increases with age. Patients often experience neuropathy (a desensitization of the feet) which makes them less able to detect injuries. Even a small cut or scrape could become infected, producing a diabetic ulcer.
Decreased blood flow and oxygenation to the legs may complicate the healing process. If left untreated, diabetic ulcers may develop gangrene, which could lead to amputation. Diabetes may also result in osteomyelitis (a bone infection).
Prevent them by wearing properly fitted shoes that avoid excess pressure on your feet. Rarely, clogged sweat glands will form malignancies, and should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
While middle age can herald the start of more foot problems, it is possible to control and manage them with vigilance and regular appointments with your podiatrist.
If you are suffering from any of the above foot and/or ankle conditions give us a call today or fill out the form on the top right of this page to schedule your appointment.
