How Foot Issues Evolve from Childhood to Senior Years
Throughout our lives, the demands placed on our feet change significantly! Understanding these changes from childhood through our senior years can help you take proactive steps to maintain healthy feet at every stage of life. Below, Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists explores how foot issues change as we grow older so you know what to look out for.
Foot Issues in Childhood
- Flat Feet: Many children are born with flat feet, where the arch of the foot is lower than normal. This often resolves as they grow.
- Sever’s Disease: This condition involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel due to repetitive stress.
- Ingrown Toenails: Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin.
Foot Issues in Adolescence
- Plantar Fasciitis: Teenagers, especially those involved in sports, may develop plantar fasciitis due to the intense physical activity and stress on the feet.
- Bunions: Adolescents may start to develop bunions, which can be influenced by genetics or footwear choices.
- Growth-Related Issues: During periods of rapid growth, teens may experience foot pain or discomfort related to growing pains or changes in foot structure.
Foot Issues in Adulthood
- Heel Spurs: Adults, especially those who engage in high-impact activities, may develop heel spurs.
- Morton’s Neuroma: This condition involves thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, causing pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the feet, leading to joint pain and stiffness.
Foot Issues in Senior Years
- Decreased Foot Sensation: Reduced sensation in the feet, often due to conditions like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, can increase the risk of injuries and infections.
- Foot Deformities: Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis may become more pronounced with age.
- Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow to the feet can lead to slow-healing wounds and cold feet.
By understanding these changes, you can help ensure that your feet remain healthy throughout your life. The expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists is the place to go for any foot-related concerns you have. With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M. are here to help! Give us a call at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!
