Causes of Heel and Back-of-Foot Pain in Older Adults

Heel and back-of-the-foot pain in older adults often develops due to age-related changes that affect the strength and flexibility of muscles and connective tissues. One common cause is strain of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, which can lead to persistent heel pain. Risk factors include having high or low arches, wearing high heeled shoes, sudden weight gain, and a sedentary lifestyle that weakens supportive structures. These factors place added stress on the heel and surrounding areas, making movement uncomfortable. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause, provide targeted treatments, and recommend supportive footwear and exercises. If you are elderly and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Geriatrics and Podiatry

Dealing With Corns

Corns are areas of thickened skin that develop on the feet due to repeated pressure or friction, often forming on the tops or sides of toes or on weight-bearing areas. They are usually small and round with a hardened center that can press into deeper tissue, causing discomfort or sharp pain when walking. Corns may look like raised, rough spots and can feel tender when direct pressure is applied. Common causes include tight or ill-fitting shoes, toe deformities such as hammertoes, and abnormal walking patterns that increase pressure in certain areas. A podiatrist can identify corns through examination and determine the underlying cause of the pressure. Treatment often includes careful trimming of the thickened skin, padding to reduce friction, and recommendations for proper footwear or orthotics. Addressing the source of pressure is key to preventing recurrence. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

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