Feet change as people grow older, but persistent pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging. The natural cushioning beneath the heels and balls of the feet can become thinner, placing more pressure on bones and joints. Skin can grow drier, while nails may become thicker and harder to trim. Changes in foot shape can also make familiar shoes feel tight. These changes can cause soreness, stiffness, or swelling, and can make standing or walking less comfortable. Arthritis, diabetes, and poor circulation can add to foot problems and slow healing after an injury.

Age-related foot pain can affect the heel, arch, or toes. It may come from corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails. Bunions and hammertoes can also create painful pressure inside shoes. Some patients develop numbness or burning because the nerves are damaged. Others have joint pain that makes the first steps after rest difficult. Shoes that lack proper support can place added strain on aging feet. Shoes that are too narrow can rub the skin and crowd the toes. Any sore, cut, or color change deserves attention, especially for patients with diabetes or circulation problems.

A chiropodist can examine the feet, identify the source of pain, and create a treatment plan. Care includes reducing thick nails, removing hard skin, and treating corns. A chiropodist can also assess changes in foot shape and check for areas of pressure. Custom orthotics may improve support, spread pressure more evenly, and make movement comfortable. Advice about fitted shoes can help protect sensitive areas and improve stability when walking. Regular appointments allow a chiropodist to monitor circulation, skin and nail changes. Early assessment can help prevent a minor foot problem from becoming more serious. If you have age-related foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin
• Calluses and corns
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Fungal infections
• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer
• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails
• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility
• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury
• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Cracked heels, also called heel fissures, develop when skin around the heel becomes excessively dry, thick, and less flexible. Pressure from standing or walking causes the skin to split. Causes include low moisture, prolonged standing, and pressure on the fat pad beneath the heel. Genetics can affect skin thickness, while obesity adds pressure to the heels. Other risk factors include open-backed shoes, walking barefoot, and skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Symptoms often begin with dry, rough, or flaky skin around the heel edges. Initial signs include redness, itchiness, and fine cracks. Skin may feel tight after walking. As the condition progresses, the skin thickens and cracks deepen. Standing or walking can become painful as pressure stretches damaged tissue. Severe heel fissures may extend into deeper layers, causing bleeding and making everyday activities difficult. Open cracks also allow bacteria to enter and cause infection.

Cracked heels develop through three stages. Initially, dryness and roughness appear without significant splitting. Moisturizing may prevent damage. During progression, thickened skin develops visible cracks, with increasing redness and discomfort when pressure is applied. In the severe stage, fissures deepen and may bleed, swell, or cause substantial pain. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should seek care from a chiropodist early because foot wounds can become serious. Spreading redness, warmth, or worsening pain also requires prompt medical attention.

To help prevent cracked heels, apply a thick moisturizer daily, especially after bathing, and wear supportive, closed-back footwear. Avoid cutting thickened skin at home because this can cause injury. A chiropodist can assess heel fissures, reduce excess skin, and recommend suitable treatment for lasting foot health. If your cracked heels are persistent, painful, or deep, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and management solutions.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin
• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking barefoot
• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
• Moisturizing the feet daily

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Foot pain becomes more common with age as the structures supporting the feet gradually change. Foot pain is discomfort affecting the heel, arch, or joints. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated. Symptoms may include aching, tenderness, and pain during movement. Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain during the first steps after waking, or after prolonged rest.

Aging can also contribute to foot pain through changes in muscle strength and flexibility. Years of standing, walking, or participation in sporting activities can increase stress on the feet. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include increased activity, prolonged standing, and high arches. Age may also increase risk because tissues can become less flexible and resilient. Changes in gait may place additional pressure on the heel and arch.

Arthritis is another source of foot pain in adults. It involves inflammation or degeneration within a joint and can affect the toes, midfoot, or other joints. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age as joint cartilage wears down. Risk factors include previous foot or ankle injuries, repetitive stress, and structural abnormalities. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the feet and cause persistent inflammation, swelling, and joint changes.

Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, identifying the source of foot pain is important. A chiropodist can evaluate foot structure, walking mechanics, and footwear to help determine the cause. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or other appropriate care. Early evaluation can help reduce discomfort, protect mobility, and support a safe return to everyday activities. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Blisters are raised pockets of fluid that form when the upper layers of skin become damaged. On the feet, repeated rubbing is a frequent cause. Wearing shoes that are too tight can press against the toes, while loose shoes can allow the heel to slide. Heat and moisture can soften the skin and increase friction. Blisters can also result from burns, allergic reactions, or certain skin conditions. Most contain clear fluid, although a blood blister can develop when a small blood vessel breaks beneath the skin. Pain, redness, and tenderness can make standing or walking uncomfortable.

Friction blisters tend to develop on the heels, toes, or balls of the feet. A blister that contains cloudy fluid, gives off an odor, or has spreading redness around it can signal an infection and require immediate attention. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in their feet face a greater risk of such complications. They may not notice irritation before the skin becomes seriously damaged. Recurring blisters can also point to a shoe-fit problem, an unusual walking pattern, or excess pressure on one part of the foot.

A chiropodist can examine the blister and determine what caused it. Care includes safely cleaning and protecting the affected area. A chiropodist can also drain a large or painful blister under sterile conditions while preserving the skin covering whenever possible. Signs of infection can be identified, and patients at higher risk can receive close follow-up care. To address repeated blistering, the chiropodist can check shoe fit, foot shape, and pressure patterns. Treatment options include professionally fitted padding, custom orthotics, or guidance on better-fitting shoes. These steps can reduce rubbing and help protect vulnerable areas. If you have problematic blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for effective relief and prevention tips. 

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .