Are Changes to Your Feet Normal?
The human body changes over time, and that includes the feet. Some changes aren’t surprising:
- soft tissues lose their elasticity, limiting how much you can stretch or move your feet and ankles
- arches can fall a little or a lot (flat feet)
- protective fat pads thin out
- arthritis may affect joints you injured earlier in life
- pregnancy can cause feet to widen, sometimes permanently, and swell
However, if any age or pregnancy-related problems cause you pain or prevent you from enjoying daily activities, you don’t have to suffer in silence. For example, if your feet have flattened and you experience arch pain, you can choose shoes with excellent arch support or have our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, fit you with custom orthotic inserts. Custom orthotics can also help relieve the pain of arthritic joints and make up for lost fat padding.
What changes aren’t normal?
Some changes sound a louder alarm than those related to normal aging. Abnormal changes to look out for include:
- Discolored, thick, or brittle nails may indicate a fungal infection.
- Deep heel cracks can develop from dry skin. However, if moisturizing doesn’t help, heel fissures may be a symptom of neuropathy, thyroid disease, or other hormonal issues.
- Moles or other lesions that change shape, size, or color can signify melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
- Toes that twist or curl. If they don’t lie flat and point straight ahead, you’ve got a toe deformity that will likely worsen without intervention. See Dr. Wilhelm for help with claw toes, hammertoes, and bunions, especially if they’re causing you pain.
- Numbness or tingling anywhere in the feet can signal the onset of diabetes or a nerve-related disorder such as peripheral neuropathy.
Finally, know that foot pain isn’t normal, even for older people. Pain and swelling can indicate many problems, including a fracture, a sprain, gout, plantar fasciitis, and many other treatable issues. Bring all of your toe, foot, heel, and ankle concerns to Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. Call our Centreville (Fairfax County) office at (703) 996-3000 or make an appointment online.
