As we age, our bodies undergo many changes, and one of the areas most affected is our feet.

In fact, studies show that over 75% of seniors experience some form of foot problem, and nearly half of all adults aged 65 and older suffer from foot pain. Unfortunately, foot problems are common among seniors and can often go unnoticed or untreated until they become more severe. Keeping your feet healthy is essential for maintaining mobility, independence, and overall well-being during your golden years. Problems such as foot pain, poor circulation, and toenail issues can hinder daily activities and increase the risk of falls, which is why it's crucial to prioritize foot care.

To get expert advice on maintaining healthy feet and preventing these problems, we sat down with Dr. Bridget Corey, DPM, owner of Blair Foot & Ankle in Duncansville, PA, who shared valuable insights into the best practices for senior foot health!

About Dr. Corey

Dr. Bridget Corey is the owner of Blair Foot & Ankle in Duncansville, PA. She received her undergraduate education in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Bucknell University and attended medical school at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, IL. After graduating in 2012, she completed a three-year residency at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center focusing on foot and ankle surgery.

Dr. Corey is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and has professional memberships with the APMA, PPMA, and ABPM. She has hospital affiliations with Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, UPMC Altoona, and Encompass Health Altoona. Dr. Corey specializes in diabetic foot care, wound care, sports medicine, orthotics, fungal nails, heel pain, elective foot surgery, and ingrown toenail procedures. She has been in practice since 2012.

The Importance of Foot Health for Seniors

As we age, taking care of our feet becomes even more essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Dr. Corey emphasizes that many chronic conditions that seniors experience have manifestations in the feet and age-related changes heighten the risk of foot problems: Foot health and prevention in aging adults is important because it helps individuals maintain independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. Often many chronic conditions that seniors experience have manifestations in the feet. Age also brings changes that increase susceptibility to foot problems. Early intervention and routine check ups can prevent many issues that may lead to pain, falls and complications.

Common Foot Problems in Seniors

Dr. Corey references common issues that arise in the senior population, including bunions and hammer toes, plantar fasciitis and heel pain, fat pad atrophy, and peripheral neuropathy and numbness. She also notes that osteoarthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, reduced mobility and deformities, is common in the senior population and it can lead to difficulty walking and an increased risk of falls.

Seniors with chronic conditions like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often face other complications, making proper foot care essential for preventing more severe issues. Seniors with diabetes have an increased risk for neuropathy and poor circulation. As a result, they may not be able to feel their feet and have impaired sensation. This can lead to formation of foot ulcers that are difficult to heal and increase the patient’s risk of infection, pain, serious medical complications and amputation. Peripheral artery disease can cause non-healing wounds, sores, infection, gangrene and increased risk for amputation due to reduced blood flow.

Dr. Corey notes that seniors should be aware of several early warning signs of foot conditions that should not be ignored, including painful calluses on the bottoms of feet or tops of toes, cramping in the legs or feet (particularly with walking), swelling in the legs or feet that does not resolve with elevation, non-healing or slow-healing wounds in the legs or feet, gait imbalance, difficulty walking, or an unsteady gait, thickened painful toenails that my or may not be ingrown/painful, increased moisture or itching to the feet or in between the toes, and numbness or tingling of the feet. If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your podiatrist right away.

Maintaining Foot Health as You Age

To maintain good foot health as you age, seniors should focus on a few essential practices:

Proper Footwear

Dr. Corey advises wearing supportive shoe gear at all times, noting that shoes should be lightweight yet sturdy for stability with good arch support, a secure fit, and laces or Velcro straps to provide added support. This helps promote both comfort and stability while reducing the risk of falls. We tell our patients to avoid backless slippers, flip flops, shoes with narrow toe boxes, high heeled shoes, or shoes with lack of support.

For diabetic patients, specially designed diabetic shoes are recommended: diabetic shoes are lightweight and have extra depth and width to provide room for all types of foot deformities. Diabetic inserts are made of a special material that helps to decrease friction and pressure which protects the foot and boney prominences that might be prone to ulceration.

Foot Hygiene & Exercise

In addition to choosing the right footwear, practicing consistent foot hygiene and performing daily foot inspections to check for calluses, toenail issues, dry skin, or lesions that could cause infection or pain is essential. Regular exercise is also recommended as it promotes circulation and overall health.

To increase mobility and circulation, Dr. Corey recommends doing daily ankle circles, toe curls, single leg balance, assisted heel raises, and achilles stretches. At Blair Foot and Ankle, we provide all of our patients with a packet of stretches to do at home that help with balance, mobility and flexibility.

Routine Podiatric Evaluations

Dr. Corey also stresses the importance of periodic podiatric evaluations and care to address potential issues early: A podiatric evaluation covers a full biomechanical and musculoskeletal evaluation, vascular evaluation, neurological evaluation and dermatological evaluation of the foot. By addressing these four categories we can help improve foot pain and problems that contribute to instability. Changes in gait and difficulty walking can increase a seniors’ risk for falls. Foot health and education can help correct gait abnormalities and provide exercises to help strengthen the foot and ankle muscle to improve flexibility.

Diabetic seniors or seniors with peripheral arterial disease would benefit from routine check ups every 3-4 months. Non-diabetic seniors would benefit from routine check ups twice a year, or more frequently if there are painful lesions on the feet.

Medicare Coverage for Podiatry

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) generally covers podiatry services only in specific circumstances. For instance, Medicare Part B may cover medically necessary foot care, such as when you need treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, injuries, or certain types of infections. However, Original Medicare does not typically cover routine foot care, including nail trimming or callus removal, unless there is an underlying medical condition.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often provide more comprehensive coverage for podiatry services. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, including coverage for routine foot care, and may provide additional services such as coverage for custom orthotics or foot care supplies. Review your plan’s benefits to understand the full scope of coverage for podiatry services as they vary by plan and location.

Summary

As we age, foot health becomes increasingly important for maintaining mobility, independence, and quality of life. Seniors are especially vulnerable to foot problems, including pain, circulation issues, and conditions like diabetes and peripheral artery disease, which can lead to serious complications. Regular foot care, proper footwear, hygiene, exercise, and routine podiatric evaluations are essential practices to help prevent and manage these issues. If you’d like to make an appointment with Dr. Corey, call Blair Foot & Ankle at (814) 696-3397.

If you need assistance navigating your Medicare options or have questions about podiatry coverage, contact Care Compass today!

Care Compass is an independent insurance agency that helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and other Senior Products. Our services are offered at NO COST! Care Compass is proudly owned and operated in Blair County, Pennsylvania. We provide Medicare insurance assistance to the residents of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville and the surrounding region. If you need assistance with Medicare, contact Care Compass today!

Healthy Feet in Your Golden Years: Podiatrist-Recommended Tips for Seniors