Taking Care of Older Feet and Ankles
Although some foot health issues become more common as we get older, feet and ankles shouldn’t hurt at any age. A podiatrist like Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos can help resolve your discomfort with careful examination, accurate diagnosis, and expert care. Here are just some of the conditions that your foot doctor can treat, often with non-invasive options like custom orthotics for added cushioning and support.
Arthritis: Nearly half of all adults 65 and over have been diagnosed with this degenerative joint disease. With 26 bones and 33 joints in each of your feet, it’s no surprise that Signs of arthritis in the feet include redness, swelling, and discomfort when standing, walking, or exercising.
Bunions: A bunion forms when the bones at the joint where the big toe joins the rest of the foot move out of place. The most common sign of a bunion is a large bony knob at that joint. Other signs include difficulty wearing shoes and foot pain. While surgery is sometimes the best option to care for a bunion, it’s usually reserved for after other less invasive options have not resolved your discomfort.
Hammertoes: A hammertoe occurs when the tendons that attach the toe to the foot chorten and the toe rises up and out of line with the others. That toe might be difficult to curl or to straighten, and it’s probably going to hurt. Like with a bunion, surgery might be the most appropriate treatment option, but it probably won’t be the first.
Heel Cracks: As you age, your skin loses collagen and moisture, which can lead to painful heel cracks. These tiny fissures can lead to serious discomfort that makes it hard to move through your daily activities. Moisturize before bed to prevent heel cracks and see your podiatrist if they develop.
Corns and Calluses: Thick patches of skin on the feet tend to increase with age. Skip the at-home treatment options, which can lead to infection. Instead, schedule a visit with your podiatrist for professional removal of corns and calluses.
Are you worried about the effects of aging on your feet and ankles or do you have another concern about your foot health? Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook county podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
