Are Your Feet Changing As You Age? It’s Normal!

Aging can cause numerous changes in your feet, some of which are uncomfortable. These changes can range from minor skin alterations to more severe issues that can affect the bones in your feet and even lead to serious injury. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County share some information about the most common issues people typically experience with their feet as they age.

Toenails: Toenails can become more difficult to cut as they thicken as you age. Changes in hormones can cause the toenails to grow more slowly, making them thicker. Other conditions like inadequate circulation and fungal infections can also cause the toenails to become brittle and thick.

Skin Changes: Changes in the skin are among the most apparent changes people notice with feet as they age. It can be a change in dryness or texture or lesions on the skin of the feet. When there is less cushioning on the sole, dry soles become a common problem. This decrease in cushioning is a result of fat loss that takes place as feet age.

Ligament and Tendon Functionality: The ligaments and tendons in your feet slowly lose strength with age, causing a reduction in arch height and an increase in the width or length of the feet. When the ligaments and tendons begin to lose their function or stretch, it makes you more likely to suffer injuries like muscle strains, tendonitis, and tendon tears.

Problems with the Toes: Many mature people develop hammertoes, which causes their toes to bend permanently. This permanent condition is painful, but it can also cause calluses and corns to develop where the toes rub together. 

Arthritis: Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, often causes foot problems as we age. This condition results from years of use and usually affects the big toe joint, the ankle joint, and the joint located right below the ankle joint. Arthritis is manageable, so it's essential to speak with your podiatrist when you start to experience symptoms.

Taking proper care of your joints and feet will help you prevent serious injuries. But suppose these changes to your feet are causing larger problems and affecting your daily activities. In that case, it's important to contact the office of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.