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November 28, 2024
Whether caused by an injury, circulation problems, or a chronic condition, foot and ankle swelling shouldn't be ignored. In this blog, we'll explore potential causes of swelling, when it might be a sign of something more serious, and how seeing a foot specialist at a Toronto foot clinic can help you get back on your feet.
What is Foot Swelling?
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The medical term for foot and ankle swelling is called edema. This term can also be used for swelling in other body parts. It is an accumulation of fluid leaking from small blood vessels into the tissues of the foot and ankle. This causes the area to appear puffy or enlarged.
Swelling in the feet often occurs because of circulation issues, injuries, infections, or underlying health conditions. The lower extremities are especially vulnerable to swelling because gravity naturally pulls fluids downwards.
The body’s circulatory and lymphatic systems typically manage this fluid, but when they’re not functioning optimally, fluid retention can occur. Your body’s inflamatory response to foot and ankle injuries, hormonal changes (pregnancy, etc.) and increased blood volume can also lead to swelling.
Edema in the feet can range from a mild inconvenience to extremely distressing and debilitating. It can affect your gait pattern (the way you walk), make buying shoes that fit almost impossible, and coincide with other uncomfortable symptoms. You shouldn’t ignore foot and ankle swelling, even if you think you know the cause. This is because:
It can get progressively worse
It can signal a health condition you weren’t aware you had
It can be a sign that a foot injury is more serious than you thought
It can lead to other complications
It may require prompt treatment
Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles
There are numerous causes of swollen feet and ankles. Some are mild and going away over time, while others are more severe and debilitating and may require consistent assessments and check-ups with either a physician or a foot specialist, like a chiropodist or podiatrist. If you notice swelling within your feet that is new then discuss with with you physician. Common causes of foot and ankle swelling include:
Injury. Sprains, fractures, and strains can cause localized swelling due to inflammation in the injured tissues. To protect yourself, check out the best ways to prevent foot injuries.
Infections. Conditions like cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can lead to swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
Venous insufficiency. This is a term for damaged vein valves and in some circumstances be caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or malformation in the leg veins. General venous insufficiency is common especially as we age. Poor blood flow from the legs back to the heart causes fluid buildup, leading to swelling in the lower legs and feet.
Lymphedema. Blocked or damaged lymphatic vessels prevent fluid drainage, causing chronic swelling, often in one leg or foot.
Heart, kidney, or liver disease. These conditions can disrupt fluid balance in the body, leading to retention in the feet and ankles.
Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can cause fluid accumulation, especially in the lower extremities.
Prolonged standing or sitting. Sitting in one position OR standing for extended periods can cause fluid to pool in the legs and feet due to gravity. Office workers, restaurant servers, cooks, flight attendants, and more can experience mild swelling simply due to their occupation.
Gout. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in joints. The result is intense burning pain, redness, and swelling, particularly in the big toe. Improving your diet may be able to help with flair ups.
Diabetes: The top of the feet and ankles can swell due to nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy.
Diet. High sodium diets can cause excessive swelling in the legs.
Signs Your Swollen Feet and Ankles May be Serious
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Below are some coinciding symptoms that may be tell-tale sign of a health condition. As always, if anything is new, then to see your physician rather than to leave it:
Burning sensation. Persistent burning in the feet along with swelling could indicate nerve damage.
Redness and warmth. Swelling accompanied by redness, warmth, and tenderness may signal an infection, such as cellulitis, that needs attention.
Sudden onset of swelling. Rapid or sudden swelling in one leg could indicate a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)s. This condition requires urgent care.
Pain: Severe pain along with swelling, especially after an injury, may point to a fracture or ligament damage.
Swelling in one foot only: Sometimes localized issues can indicate a more severe and specific problem.
Shortness of breath or chest pain. These symptoms can indicate heart or lung issues, like congestive heart failure, and requires immediate medical help.
Skin Changes: Discolored, tight, or shiny skin over swollen areas may suggest lymphatic or circulatory issues needing evaluation. Red toes or dark blue skin can signify peripheral artery disease, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and more.
Persistent or worsening swelling. Swelling that doesn’t improve or worsens over time could be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment.
When to See a Podiatrist or Chiropodist: Treatment
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You should always see a physician or foot specialist if you’re experiencing discomfort in any capacity. Remember: foot issues are not “normal.”
Because foot and ankle swelling is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, you should first see your family doctor. They can refer you to the appropriate specialists and run the necessary testing to determine what is causing the swelling. Your treatment options may target edema directly, or they may target the underlying health condition.
Once you determine the underlying cause of the foot swelling, a foot specialist or foot clinic can provide solutions to manage and accommodate the condition, so you can live your life as comfortably as possible. Below are some services a foot clinic can offer to help foot and ankle swelling:
Compression Socks
Compression stockings are a great option for venous insufficiency, pregnancy, fatigue-related swelling, and sometimes even underlying health conditions like lymphadema. They reduce swelling by promoting blood flow and limiting fluid buildup in the lower extremities. A common myth is that they are clunky, noticeable medical devices that clash with your clothing, but they are actually quite fashionable and sleek. Most people will not even realize you are wearing them.
You can get standard knee-high socks or even pantyhose, depending on how your activities and how you want to dress them up. You can get a prescription from a physician, and then stop by our Toronto foot clinic, where our certified fitters can measure you and help you select the best stockings for you.
As compression stockings can be contraindicated for some conditions (like diabetes and periphery artery disease), it's strongly recommended that you first visit discuss compression stockings with your family doctor if you have any underlying health concerns.
Orthopedic Footwear
Orthopedic shoes can accommodate swelling by offering several key features designed to provide comfort and support:
Adjustable straps and laces. Many orthopedic shoes come with adjustable fastenings that allow for a customizable fit, accommodating changes in foot size due to swelling.
Wide toe boxes. These shoes often have a wider, more spacious toe area, which helps to prevent pressure on swollen feet and allows room for expansion.
Elastic materials. Some orthopedic shoes are made with elastic or stretchable fabrics, allowing them to gently conform to the shape of the foot and adjust to fluctuations in swelling throughout the day.
Extra depth. Orthopedic shoes often have a deeper design, providing more room for foot swelling and preventing tightness that could worsen discomfort.
By combining these features, orthopedic shoes can help manage swelling while providing the support needed for optimal foot health.
Diabetic Foot Care
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If your edema is caused by diabetic neuropathy or periphery artery disease, diabetic foot care at a foot clinic should be a part of your monthly routine. At a diabetic foot care appointment, your chiropodist will monitor your foot health. They'll examine your feet to check for sensation, circulation, and check for any potential causes for concerns - like disease progression and worsening circulation issues. Routine diabetic foot care also involves wound and nail care, diabetic foot education, and more. While these practices don’t directly target swelling, they are all interconnected and help reduce the risk of complications that can worsen swelling.
Biomechanical Assessment
If your swelling coincides with an injury and other chronic foot pain, a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis with a chiropodist can help. A chiropodist can then diagnose any underlying muscular or biomechanical issues that are causing or contributing to the foot pain, and make treatment recommendations like custom orthotics.
Additional Swollen Foot and Ankle Treatments
RICE Method
The RICE method is an acronym for a popular at-home treatment routine for acute foot injuries: rest (avoiding activities that strain the foot), ice (applying cold packs to reduce swelling and pain), compression (using bandages, tape, compression socks, and more to limit swelling), and elevation (raising the foot above heart level to help drain excess fluid). If you're
Treatments That Target Underlying Health Conditions
When foot swelling is linked to serious underlying health conditions, treatments aim to address the root cause and prevent further complications.
For example, conditions like heart failure, managing the condition with medications can help reduce fluid retention and ease swelling. In cases of kidney disease, doctors may adjust medications and recommend dietary changes to help the kidneys function more effectively, reducing the build-up of excess fluid in the body.
In some lymphatic conditions, such as lymphedema, may be treated with specialized therapy, including manual lymph drainage to help encourage the movement of fluid away from the swollen areas. Compression therapy is also helpful for lymph conditions.
Each treatment is tailored to the specific health condition causing the swelling, and addressing the underlying issue can significantly reduce or even prevent the recurrence of swelling. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to managing these conditions effectively.
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November 21, 2024
Bunions can target anyone, but they are more common in older women due to factors like foot anatomy and footwear choices. Luckily, there are ways you can prevent and manage bunions to the best of your ability, especially if you work with a chiropodist or podiatrist. Let’s explore everything there is to know about bunions, including the reasons why older women are more at risk for developing bunions.
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This article will answer:
What are bunions?
Who's at risk?
Why are older women at risk?
How do you treat bunions?
How do you prevent bunions?
Do I need bunion surgery?
What Are Bunions?
Bunions are toe deformities in which the big toe shifts towards the second toe at an angle. This causes the joint at the base of the big toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint) to protrude outwards, forming a bump that can become swollen, tender, and uncomfortable. The MTP joint bears a lot of pressure while walking or standing, which can worsen the bunion over time. As the condition progresses, people with bunions often experience pain and difficulty wearing certain shoes.
Another related condition common in older women is hallux rigidus, where arthritis or stiffness affects the big toe joint, limiting its movement. Hallux rigidus may not cause the same protrusion as bunions (it's usually seen on top of the joint), but it can still lead to pain and difficulty moving the toe. Many people may think that hallux rigidus is the same as a bunion, but they are different - the scientific term for bunions is hallux (abducto) valgus.
Causes of Bunions: Who's at Risk?
While bunions aren't typically caused by one thing alone, there are several risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing bunions. All these risk factors either weaken or cause extra strain on the MTP joint. These include:
Age: Bunions can start to form as young as 30, but they are commonly associated with seniors and become more debilitating and noticeable with age. Some studies suggest 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 have a pronounced bunion, many of them being women.
Genetics: Bunions are partly genetic because foot shape and structure, often inherited traits, can increase the risk of developing them. People with certain foot shapes—particularly flat feet—are more prone to bunions because this structure creates imbalanced pressure on the big toe joint.
Wearing ill-fitting footwear: Frequently wearing narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes can push the big toe inward, contributing to bunion formation. Pointed, unstready high-heeled shoes with very thin heels (like stilettos) are extra risky.
Having Rheumatoid arthritis: Conditions that affect joint health and increase inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to bunion formation.
Previous foot injuries: Tendon tears, or having broken a bone in the past, can increase risk.
Why are Older Women at Risk?
Senior women are more likely than other groups to experience painful bunions for a handful of reasons:
Older people are more susceptible to joint-wear-and-tear and other foot conditions like osteoarthritis (which is caused by wear-and-tear on the joints, and is commonly associated with age). And pre-existing joint issues make you more prone to bunions.
Many older women have a history of wearing ill-fitting shoes with cramped toe boxes and unsteady high heels for decades. Tight shoes and high heels put extra strain and pressure on the MTP joint. The collective effects of this pressure accumulate over time and, compounded with other age-related risk factors, can accelerate, contribute to or exacerbate the formation of bunions.
Women may have weaker connective tissue in their feet. This will reduce the big toe's ability to withstand the force and pressure of our movement.
Bunions can worsen during menopause due to hormonal changes loosening ligaments and flattening the feet, making them more vulnerable. This can also happen during pregnancy and have long-lasting effects on the feet. Menopause can also affect bone density, which can accelerate joint degeneration, weaken joints, and therefore aggravate bunions.
Bunions in Older Women: Treatment
If you are struggling with bunion pain, visiting a foot specialist, like a chiropodist or podiatrist, at your local foot clinic can help. There are many solutions available that target the foot pain and mobility issues associated with bunions, while decreasing pressure on the big toe joint. While bunions cannot be reversed (without surgery), by strengthening your feet and reducing pressure on the big toe, you can manage the bunion growth so that it doesn't get worse.
Bunion Exercises and Stretches
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A chiropodist or podiatrist may suggest some bunion exercises and stretches. These are great for both prevention and treatment, mostly target the toes, are easy to memorize, and accommodate seniors. The exercises may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to them in no time.
Here are five easy-to-learn exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine to help manage bunion discomfort:
Toe Circles
Grip your big toe and move it in circular motions to maintain joint mobility. Do 10 circles in each direction per foot.
Toe Stretches
Use your fingers to press your big toe down and hold for 30 seconds, then stretch it in the opposite direction for another 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each foot.
Towel Grip and Pull
Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch and pull it toward you. This helps strengthen the small muscles in your feet.
Toe Curls and Spreads
Curl your toes down tightly, hold for a few seconds, then spread them wide. Repeat this motion 10 times per foot to improve flexibility and strength.
Toe Resistance Exercises
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Use your fingers to apply light pressure against your big toe in various directions, pressing up, down, and sideways. Hold each for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each foot.
You can also wrap a resistance band around your big toes and then spread your feet apart while keeping your heels planted, as shown in the video above.
Other bunion treatment options provided by a foot specialist include:
Footwear recommendations: We'll get more into this later, but opt for shoes with a wide toe box that give your toes enough room. You should also look for features like cushioned insoles and good arch support to reduce pressure on the bunion.
Custom orthotics: A foot specialist will assess your feet and design custom orthotic insoles tailored to your feet. Orthotics work by reducing pressure and force on the big toe joint, which will then reduce bunion pain and help prevent the bunion from getting worse. Custom orthotics for bunions provide support and help realign the foot, redistributing pressure away from the bunion. You can then put the orthotics into your footwear and go about your daily activities with less pressure on the big toe.
Shockwave therapy: This treatment uses powerful acoustic pulses to reduce pain in the affected area by increasing blood flow and triggering a process that helps the body heal injured tissue. While shockwave therapy doesn't target the bunion itself, it helps with the tight muscles and ligaments around the bunion, which reduces pain and pressure on the joint.
Bunion devices: These devices help realign the toes to varying degrees. Silicone toe separators are great for when you're walking around at home, whereas ultra-thin bunion aligners fit comfortably in most footwear and are great for athletic people. For more significant correction, rigid bunion splints help stabilize the joint.
Therapeutic taping: A foot specialist can apply therapeutic tape to provide support, reduce pain, and help correct the alignment of the bunion, allowing for better mobility.
Shoe stretching: If your shoes are too tight, professional shoe stretching can help relieve pressure on the bunion, making footwear more comfortable.
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Best Bunion Prevention Tips
There isn’t much you can do about your genetics or age, but you can be mindful about other lifestyle factors to manage bunion formation.
Wearing the Right Footwear
The best preventative measure you can take to try and avoid bunions is wearing the right shoes for your feet.
You should be especially vigilant about finding shoes that are wide enough for your toes to rest comfortably and wiggle without crowding and overlapping. Ideally, your shoes need between ⅜” to ½” of space between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You can try an at-home test to see how wide your feet really are before visiting your Toronto foot clinic for a shoe fitting that will help you find the perfect fit.
Toe space is the biggest factor for bunion prevention, but there are many other things to consider when finding the right shoes. Check out the best footwear for healthy feet to learn what else you should look out for.
Try to avoid high heels, only wearing them for special occasions. Even then, opt for healthy heel options. Heels shouldn’t be too high or too thin—look for a block, shorter heel or wedges instead. Your shoes also shouldn’t be severely pointed and squish your toes together.
Additional Bunion Prevention Tips:
Regular exercise and a good fitness regimen will help keep your muscles strong. Strong muscles reduce strain on the joints, which will then make you less susceptible to joint degeneration and wear-and-tear as you age. In addition, a healthy conditioned lower body and core helps with alignment and weight-bearing, meaning your big toe won't need to work as hard when you move around.
Since having a previous injury can be a risk factor, practice healthy foot injury prevention and FALL prevention.
If you notice early signs of bunion formation, such as redness or swelling around the big toe joint, consult a foot specialist promptly.
You should also consult a foot specialist if you have any family members with bunions, notice any issues with your alignment, have flat feet, or any other biomechanical concerns, as faulty biomechanics increase strain on the big toe joint.
Excess weight can put additional pressure on your feet, increasing the risk of bunion development. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this strain.
Do I Need Bunion Surgery?
Seniors may be more likely to seek a surgical consult after living with bunions for a longer period than young people, and trying other non-invasive treatment options with a podiatrist or chiropodist first.
That said, these days there are more non-surgical treatment options than ever before and your chances of needing a surgery are still somewhat low. Surgeries are typically recommended for older women or any individual who experiences significant pain or functional limitations; surgeries are not usually performed solely for cosmetic reasons.
At FeetFirstClinic you will start with a full foot assessment to determine the severity of your condition and your foot specialist will form a treatment plan with you.
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August 12, 2024
Dealing with bunions can be a pain—literally. For those managing bunions, finding effective solutions can greatly improve quality of life. Let's dive into various bunion treatment options and explore lifestyle tips that can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues.
Bunion Treatment Options: Finding What Works for You
When it comes to managing bunions, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember, they are bony protrusions and can vary in pain level and size. While they can occur in both men and women, they are most common in women. Non-surgical bunion treatment is often the first line of defense.
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment
Ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear - particularly narrow shoes and high heels - is one of the most common causes of bunions. A chiropodist can suggest footwear for bunions that provide ample toe space and cushioning. They'll help you discover fashionable footwear for sensitive feet from your local Toronto foot clinic. Additionally, they can do a biomechanical assessment to determine if custom orthotics can help manage the bunion's progression and reduce your pain.
A chiropodist can also recommend bunion cushioning techniques and products, such as:
Silicone toe separators
Bunion aligners
Rigid, yet walkable, bunion splints
These non-invasive measures can help reduce pressure on the affected area and offer bunion pain relief.
Lifestyle Tips For Bunion Relief and Preventing Bunion Progression
As with any foot condition, lifestyle changes go a long way!
Implement simple bunion exercises into your routine to strengthen the muscles around the joint. To give it your best shot, refer to these 5 simple exercises for bunions!
It is also strongly recommended that you avoid high heels. If you have a special event, visit your local foot clinic to talk about comfortable heel and wedges you may be able to wear, for a limited amount of time.
In addition, avoid activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, such as long periods of standing on hard surfaces. You can try beginner-level, low-impact yoga to keep moving, but make sure it isn't too intense for your feet.
Surgical Solutions
In severe situations, bunion surgery from a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon can offer significant relief. Surgery realigns the toe joint, providing a long-term solution and eliminating the need to accommodate the bunion at all times.
However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if surgery is the right step for you. Most of the time, surgery is only an option for severe bunions as it can be a lengthy and inconvenient process for you. In addition, there's no guarantee the bunion will not return: some studies indicate a reoccurence rate of up to 25% after bunion surgery.
It's important to note that bunion surgery alone isn't going to permanently get rid of your bunions: you still need to do non-surgical bunion treatment options after surgery to prevent reoccurence, namely:
Wear proper fitting footwear and avoid high heels
Strengthen and condition the muscles in your feet and ankles
Address any underlying biomechanical issues to reduce pressure and strain on the affected joint.
July 25, 2024
Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting our ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities comfortably. One common foot condition that causes discomfort and requires attention is crossover toe.
This blog post delves into crossover toe, its symptoms, and available treatment options. First off, we'll explain exactly what is a crossover toe.
What is a crossover toe?
Crossover toe, also known as floating toe or floating fifth toe, is a type of deformity in which the toe drifts out of its normal position and crosses over or under a neighbouring toe. The condition is also known as overlapping toe.
The condition generally affects the fourth and fifth toes, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. However, any combination of toes may become an overlapping toe. Roughly 7% of adults—men and women equally — have overlapping toes of some sort.
Symptoms of crossover toe
Toe pain: Discomfort is often felt at the base of the affected toe, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
Swelling and inflammation: The affected area may become swollen and inflamed due to the abnormal positioning of the toe.
Uncomfortable shoe fit: Shoes may feel tight or uncomfortable, especially in the toe box area where the affected toe rubs against adjacent toes or the shoe itself.
Visual appearance: The affected toe may appear to cross over or under the adjacent toe, giving it a visibly different appearance than the other toes.
Corns: Corns will often form on top of crossover toes due to excessive friction and rubbing on the affected toes.
Causes of crossover toe
Crossover toe can develop due to several factors, including:
Foot injuries: Joint and ligament damage caused by unhealed trauma and foot injuries can change the toes' alignment over time. Additionally, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can shift the alignment of your toes as it progresses and damages the joints.
Foot structure: People with high arches or flat feet are prone to developing overlapping toes.
Genetics: Overlapping toes may also be inherited. Many conditions that make one prone to developing an overlapping toe, like arthritis and Morton's toe, have genetic contributing factors.
Improper footwear. Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow or too tight can force the toes into an unnatural position and curl up, which will ultimately lead to the development of a crossover toe.
Treatment options for crossover toe
Footwear adjustments: Proper-fitting footwear is one of the most important ways to manage a crossover toe. Switching to shoes with a wider toe box can ease pressure on the affected toe and reduce discomfort. You should also make sure you have sufficient space at the end of your shoes (typically 1 cm) for your toes to properly splay. If shoes are too short, your toes will curl up. Many companies, like ASICS, APEX and Saucony, offer a wide-width options to give your feet the extra room it needs. Shoes with a mesh or soft upper are also recommended, as this will reduce pressure and friction on the top of the toes.
Orthotics Custom orthotic inserts or pads can help support the arch and redistribute pressure across the foot. This can help promote proper toe alignment and reduce pressure on the crossover toes so that they don't get worse.
Foot and Toe exercises: Performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the toes can improve flexibility and prevent the condition from progressing.
Splinting or taping: A foot specialist can tape the affected toe to encourage proper alignment and reduce pain. You can also buy a splint or toe spacer to help stabilize and align the toe.
Corn and Callus Treatment: Since crossover toes are extremely prone to corns and calluses, it is very important to see a licensed chiropodist for routine foot care. A chiropodist can safely debride any corns and calluses on your crossover toe, which will reduce pain and irritation.
July 18, 2024
Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and while many people have heard of common foot conditions like bunions or flat feet, there's another lesser-known but equally interesting foot characteristic called Morton's foot or Morton's toe.
The condition occurs when the second toe is longer than the big toe, leading to potential biomechanical implications and foot-related issues. Let's delve into Morton's Foot, its potential effects on foot health, and how to manage it.
What is Morton's foot/toe?
Morton's Foot, also known as Morton's toe/foot or Greek foot, is a foot structure in which the second toe is longer than the big toe. The big toe is the longest in a typical foot, followed by the second toe. (Despite sharing the same name, Morton's neuroma and Morton's toe are not the same.)
However, in individuals with Morton's foot, the second toe extends beyond the big toe, sometimes significantly. The condition is quite common. As many as 40%+ individuals have a longer second toe than a big toe.
Potential biomechanical implications
But here's the twist: while Morton's foot is generally considered a variation of normal foot anatomy rather than a medical condition, it can have some surprising biomechanical implications that affect gait and foot function. Let's explore these potential issues associated with Morton's foot.
Added pressure on the second toe
The longer second toe may bear more weight during walking or standing, leading to increased pressure and potential discomfort or pain in the ball of the foot, which may contribute to clawing of the toe and hammertoes.
Gait changes
Morton's foot can alter the distribution of weight and pressure across the foot, potentially affecting gait mechanics and posture. This may contribute to overpronation, increasing the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints and bunions.
Footwear challenges
Finding the right footwear can be a real challenge for individuals with Morton's foot. Shoes often fail to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe, leading to issues such as rubbing, irritation, or the development of thickened or ingrown toenails, corns or calluses on the affected toe.
How to manage Morton's foot
While Morton's Foot may not require medical intervention, there are steps individuals can take to manage associated discomfort or mitigate potential issues proactively:
Choose footwear wisely. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe—Asics is a great choice for a roomier and wider toe box. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes that can squeeze or crowd the toes.
Consider orthotic support. Custom orthotic inserts or insoles can offset pressure on the toes and support the foot. This can alleviate any discomfort associated with Morton's Foot and improve your overall foot mechanics.
Foot-strengthening exercises. Engaging in exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle can help improve stability and support, reducing the risk of overuse injuries or discomfort associated with Morton's foot.
Regular foot care. Practicing good foot hygiene and monitoring for signs of irritation or injury can help prevent complications such as corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails on the longer second toe.
July 15, 2024
Just like the rest of your body, your feet change with age. There are many age-related foot conditions that can target anyone at any time, but are more likely to occur in our golden years. With proper care, foot health in older adults doesn’t have to be too challenging and your aging feet can step out in downtown Toronto with confidence (and more importantly, in comfort).
Why Aging Feet Become Vulnerable
Studies show that one of the reasons musculoskeletal foot conditions, toe deformities and ankle problems are more common in older adults aged 65-74 is due to ill-fitting footwear.
Poorly fitted shoes not only wreak havoc on your feet, but if you’ve worn them for double the amount of years a younger adult has, then they’ve had more time to cause foot issues! The math speaks volumes and is one of the many reasons wearing good shoes from a young age is so important.
A change in size and shape also signifies your feet are getting older. Your body’s ligaments and tendons lose their ability to “spring back” which causes fallen arches (flat feet). This also relates back to ill-fitting footwear; if you aren’t aware of your foot changes, you can wear shoes that are too small without realizing it.
Your skin also becomes thinner when you get older, and your nails more brittle and fragile. Your toenails can also get thicker, but not in a healthy way. Their weakening can invite unwanted problems like fungal infections and skin conditions.
Lastly, it's only natural for a little wear and tear to set in after years of walking on your feet - after all, we only get one pair! This can cause degradation in many of the 33 joints in the foot.
Common Foot Ailments In Elderly People:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar fasciitis
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy (commonly occurs after age 45)
Calluses
Corns
Toenail fungus
Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (a different type of RA than the one that targets younger adults)
Foot Care Tips and Footwear For Seniors
Managing foot problems and caring for aging feet is achievable when you do the following:
Wear shoes that fit well! Many foot conditions feel better and more manageable when you wear orthopedic shoes, shoes for sensitive feet or the best shoes for seniors.
Also, find shoes with the right level of shock absorption to protect your joints.
Consider custom orthotics.
Perform regular, low-impact exercises and stretches to keep your feet strong and flexible. Yoga and swimming is a great idea, but there are also exercises for arthritis.
Keep your feet clean and moisturized.
Get medical pedicures to maintain your nail health.
Manage conditions like gout with proper dietary health and learn the role of nutrition in foot health.
Try other products and medical devices like bunion pads, correctors, etc.
Learn more about age-defying foot care.
