SHARES
Sharing with us about Foot and Ankle problems among the elderly is Foot & Ankle expert Dr Kannan Kaliyaperumal, practising Orthopaedic Surgeon at Centre for Foot & Ankle Surgery, Singapore.
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What is the likelihood of Foot and Ankle Problems Among the Elderly?
Dr Kannan: Foot pain and foot disorders are common concerns for older people. One in three people over the age of 65 has foot pain, stiffness, or aching feet. Older or obese people, women, and people with diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis, or knee, hip, or back pain have much higher rates of foot problems.
Foot pain makes it harder for elderly to walk and carry out their daily functions and can interfere with simple day to day activities, such as getting out of a chair or climbing stairs. Patients may also have trouble with their balance, which increases the risk of falls. The sustained pain can lead to less mobility, leading to weight gain, weakness, and heart problems. Therefore, it is important for the elderly to be able to walk well, since walking is one of the best ways to exercise, keep fit as well as for leading an active social life
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What are the common foot and ankle problems among the elderly?
Dr Kannan: It has been estimated that one-third of all older people have fungal infections in a toenail. The likelihood of having a fungal infection is even higher in older people with diabetes, psoriasis, reduced immunity, poor circulation, or obesity.
Other common foot complaints are:
- Bunions: A bony growth or misaligned bone at the base of the big toe, or sometimes on the small toe. Eventually, the big toe may bend abnormally toward the small toes.
- Calluses and corns: Dead, yellowish, thickened skin on toes.
- Hammer toes: Toe joints (usually the second toe but all the middle toes may be affected) that curl up or under, either rigidly or with some flexibility, often resulting in a permanently dislocated joint.
- Toenail problems: Ingrown (growing into the skin), thickened, or discolored toenails.
- Foot problems related to diabetes, such as foot ulcers that are difficult to heal, loss of feeling or vascular circulation problems.
- Foot problems associated with deformities, which may be caused by arthritis or gout.
- Heel pain: This pain is present at the back of the arch from heel spurs (bony outgrowth) or plantar fasciitis (an inflamed ligament along the bottom of the foot).
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How to prevent foot and ankle problems among the elderly?
Dr Kannan: One of the main causes of foot problems among the elderly is ill-fitting shoes. Three out of four elderly people over 65 wear shoes that are too small for them. Improper footwear like shoes with slippery soles or without proper arch support may also lead to pain. In serious cases, improper footwear may even increase the risk of falling. Hence, it is imperative to select shoes that cater to the age and need of an elderly person.
The good news is — most foot conditions among the elderly can be easily treated with prescribed footwear and medical care management, the earlier the better.
That is why it is important to seek medical advice early, before the problem escalates to a more serious or complicated problem.
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What are the types of arthritis presented in Foot and Ankle Problems Among the Elderly?
Dr Kannan: Common types of arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It occurs in older people due to long years of wear and tear from normal physical activity or from past injuries.
Osteoarthritis affects the joints, usually the knees, hips, ankle and spine. Nevertheless, any injured joint can develop osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
The second most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Most cases appear before the age of 60, although a minority has an onset later than 60. Rheumatoid arthritis is often a life-long, progressive disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by abnormal immune system that attacks the body. It affects many other joints, including the wrists, elbow, shoulders, and ankles. Other body tissues, including muscles, blood vessels, heart, lungs, nerves and skin may also be affected.
- Gout
Gout results from the build-up of uric acid crystals within the joint. Gout can cause intense pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. It usually only affects one or a few joints (usually the big toe and ankle).
- Infectious arthritis
This type of arthritis occurs when an infection spreads into a joint.
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What are the treatments available for arthritis?
Doctor: If your doctor feels that exercise and medications have not adequately controlled your symptoms, surgery may be necessary to clear debris from the joint through arthroscopy, reposition the bones, or smoothen out the surfaces of the affected structures.
If the joint damage is severe, a joint replacement may be necessary to relieve pain and improve quality of life. With the advancement in technology, robotic knee replacement surgery enables faster recovery with lower risks. Nevertheless, some patient might still require rehabilitation after the surgery.
About Dr Kannan:
After obtaining his postgraduate qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Dr Kannon subsequently trained in Lower Limb Reconstructive Surgery (LLRS) with special emphasis on Foot and Ankle (F&A) Reconstruction. Prior to commencing private practice, he was appointed as the Chief, Foot & Ankle Surgery at a restructured hospital in Singapore.
If you would like to make an appointment with an Ortopedic Surgeon:
Find an Ortopedic Surgeon in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find an Ortopedic Surgeon in Singapore, on GetDoc
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
