Elderly foot problems are common and often progressive, affecting mobility and independence. Treatment ranges from doing nothing to surgery, and addressing foot problems in the elderly early can significantly improve quality of life.
Why do foot problems occur in older adults?
We all know that as we get older body parts have a nasty habit of failing.
Whilst organs fail, our skeletons degenerate and whilst we do not talk of skeletal failure that is what inevitably happens with time, to many of us.
Whilst we enjoy good health we rarely pay our feet much attention but when they start to trouble us we become painfully aware of their importance to mobility and therefore independence.
Human beings are living mechanical structures and the feet are our foundations. Any joint in the foot can degenerate and with that process comes pain, swelling and progressive deformity. The same happens as tendons fail.
Poor skin quality and inadequate blood supply can present orthopaedic surgeons with major challenges and it is vital, in the elderly, to assess how well a patient will tolerate, not only the surgical procedure, but the imposed immobility, especially when major bony procedures are performed.
What treatment options are available for foot problems in the elderly?
People often assume that we have a vast array of treatments to offer but there are really only five things on offer.
- Do nothing – We can do nothing and soldier on but symptoms worsen and elderly foot problems progress and the patient will never be younger than they are right now.
- Podiatry & footwear modification – Secondly we have podiatry and footwear modification. This can be very helpful and most old people require the services of a chiropodist/podiatrist on a regular basis. Podiatry however, can not reverse or treat the underlying degenerative process.
- Physiotherapy – Physiotherapy can not cure the ageing process but it can help elderly people to keep going. Physiotherapy does however come in to its own in the post-operative period. Supports mobility and aids recovery post-surgery but doesn’t cure ageing changes.
- Medication & injections – Medication and pain relief and anti-inflammatories can help but there are potential side effects and long term NSAIDs can be lethal. Injection therapy has a role but no injection lasts forever and contrary to popular belief a cortisone injection is likely to be effective for a matter of weeks rather than months and repeat injections tend to be less and less effective.
- Surgery – The last treatment modality is surgery. In the past we have shied away from operating on the elderly foot but with an ever increasing elderly population who are living longer our threshold for intervening has become lower. Often it is not the procedure that puts patients off the idea of surgery but the recovery period and the imposed restrictions. With appropriate attention to detail and organising help whether it be a nursing home or help at home, these obstacles can be overcome.
Key Takeaways – Elderly Foot Problems
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Early assessment helps tailor treatment to each patient’s tolerance and needs.
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Non-surgical options (podiatry, physiotherapy) support function but do not reverse degeneration.
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Injection therapies are temporary solutions; repeat injections lose effectiveness.
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Surgery is viable for many older adults when recovery pathways are planned properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q – What are the common foot problems in the elderly?
Arthritis, bunions, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and nerve pain are all frequent issues.
Q – Can physiotherapy help elderly foot problems?
Yes, while it doesn’t reverse degeneration, physiotherapy supports mobility and accelerates post-op recovery.
Q – Are cortisone injections safe for older adults?
They can relieve pain for weeks, but repeat use has decreased effectiveness and carries risks.
Q – Is surgery a good option for elderly patients?
With appropriate pre-op evaluation and post-op support (e.g., home care or nursing assistance), many elderly patients successfully undergo surgery.
Need support with elderly foot problems?
If you’re experiencing foot problems in the elderly, our team is here to help. We offer multidisciplinary care including podiatry, physiotherapy, medication reviews, and specialist surgery.
Get in touch today to explore your treatment options. Book an appointment today or call us for friendly, expert advice.
Mark Davies is the Founder and a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The London Foot and Ankle Centre. Established in 2003, the Centre was the first specialist service of its kind in the UK and it has developed into a centre of excellence for foot and ankle disorders.
By Mark Davies
