Why is it important for age 50+people be conscious of foot problems that may arise as you get older?

It is important for people to be conscious of their foot problems as they get older because as deformities or problems progress, they can lead to increased pain that can limit function and activity; many problems can result in decreased balance; and some deformities, such as bunions, can lead to additional problems such as hammertoes. For example, while a bunion may not hurt when one is younger, it can lead to arthritis and pain in the big toe joint later in life and can cause hammertoe deformities as the bunion progresses and the person ages.  This can result in increased pain and cause a person to limit activity that is important to their overall health and function. 

For many foot and ankle problems, if they are diagnosed and treated early it can lead to less long term problems, maintenance of function and exercise, and an easier recovery from surgery if needed. In the case of bunions, if they are treated with Lapiplasty® 3D bunion correction prior to the patient having arthritis set into the big toe joint then motion and function of the joint can be maintained, and the patient can continue to enjoy the activities they love well into their “golden years”. 

Author Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa