The human body is like a machine – and as much as we hate to admit it, our body parts can erode over time, like so many wheel bearings or brake pads. The parts of the feet that begin to buck and shudder, as it were, include joints, fat pads, and soft tissues.
- Joint erosion
A joint is the intersection of two or more bones. There are 33 joints in each foot, each cushioned with cartilage. Without cartilage, the ends of your bones would grind together instead of gliding smoothly and freely. It’s not unusual for older individuals to experience loss of cartilage and bone-on-bone pain, called osteoarthritis. You can manage foot or ankle osteoarthritis with rest, icing, pain medications, shoe modifications, and targeted exercises. Joint failure may eventually need surgical repair or total joint replacement. - Fat pad atrophy
The bottom of the foot has natural fat pads that act like shock absorbers when you walk. The fat pads can become thin over time. As a result, they lose their ability to cushion your foot bones. Walking may become more painful. Your skin may look thin and be more prone to calluses. - Soft tissue damage
Many things can cause damage to the tendons and ligaments in your feet and ankles, including an acute injury or a medical condition such as diabetes or obesity. Simply getting older can also cause soft tissues to stretch and limit their function. For example, if the ligaments that support your arch become loose, you can develop flat feet.
Bone spurs, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, toe deformities, and fungal infections are further examples of foot problems that are more common in the older population.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, Dr. Jim Swienconek, Dr. Rachel Robinson, and Dr. Courtney Yoder can help you manage the aches and pains of aging feet. You don’t have to live with foot pain! Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.