Our feet carry us through life, literally. But like the rest of our body, they don’t remain static. They undergo significant changes as we age that affect foot structure, function, and susceptibility to various podiatric conditions. At Your Next Step, we understand these changes and account for them when taking care of our older patients.

How Our Feet Flatten as We Age

One of the most noticeable changes in the foot as we age is gradual “flattening.”

As collagen diminishes, the ligaments stretch, which naturally leads to a gradual lowering of the arch. This results in a foot that is both longer and wider.

Beyond ligament laxity, tendons experience a similar decline in strength and flexibility. Specifically, the Achilles tendon and posterior tibial tendon can become less pliable and more susceptible to injury.

However, these structural changes extend beyond ligaments and tendons. The protective fat pads located on the soles of our feet atrophy with age, which diminishes the foot’s natural shock absorption capabilities.

While the bones of the foot themselves don’t drastically alter their shape, their internal structure is affected by age. Bones can become more brittle due to decreased bone density, a condition known as osteoporosis, which significantly elevates the risk of fractures.

Increased Susceptibility to Foot Conditions

These structural changes make older adults more prone to a range of foot problems, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bunions
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Hammertoes: A deformity where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint.
• Morton’s Neuroma: A thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot that causes pain, numbness, and tingling.
• Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune) can affect the joints of the feet and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Gout: A form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid, which forms crystals in the joints.
• Diabetic Foot Problems: People with diabetes are at higher risk for nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, which can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and even amputation.

It is quite natural to see these conditions arise in late adulthood, especially if people have gone years not taking care of their foot health. Come visit us today to see how you can keep your feet healthy for years to come!

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are happy to solve your foot and ankle problems. Book your appointment and contact us today!