Every step you take depends on the health of your feet, but as we age, those steps can become more painful and unsteady. In fact, one in four Americans over age 65 sustains a fall every year, and balance problems, foot pain, or ankle instability can be a major contributing factor. Foot problems are incredibly common in older adults due to natural changes, such as thinning fat pads, reduced blood flow, and stiffer joints, all of which can make walking more difficult and increase the risk of falls. 

Read on to explore four of the most common foot problems in older adults and what the best foot and ankle doctor in Huntington Park can do to help you find relief and keep moving confidently.

From Bunions to Heel Pain: Four Foot Problems That Come with Age

As we age, the structure and function of our feet naturally change, making them more vulnerable to a range of painful foot conditions. Below are four common foot problems that affect older adults, and how to relieve foot pain, reduce the risk of falls, and protect mobility with the right care.

1. Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in older adults, making something as simple as getting out of bed in the morning feel like a challenge. The condition affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, and often causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with your first steps after resting. 

Several factors increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, including: 

  • Being overweight
  • Standing for long periods
  • Having flat feet or tight calf muscles 

While it can be frustrating, there are ways to manage the pain. At home, gentle stretching, wearing supportive shoes, using orthotic inserts, and taking breaks to rest your feet can make a big difference. If the pain doesn’t improve after a few months, there are more advanced treatments a foot specialist can recommend, like: 

  • Physical therapy
  • Night splints to keep your foot stretched while you sleep
  • Shock-wave therapy to help the tissue heal

2. Osteoarthritis and Foot Joint Stiffness

As we age, the joints in our feet undergo years of wear and tear, and for many adults, this leads to osteoarthritis. This painful, stiffening condition that often shows up in the big toe or the middle of the foot makes everyday movement more difficult. 

If you have osteoarthritis, you might notice joint swelling, a grinding feeling, reduced flexibility, or even bony growths called bone spurs. These symptoms can make walking, standing, or climbing stairs feel uncomfortable or even painful. While osteoarthritis can't be reversed, there are ways to manage it: 

  • Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the joints
  • Switching to supportive, joint-friendly shoes or using custom orthotics or arthritis can make walking easier
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help with pain, but they should be used under a doctor’s guidance

If symptoms get worse, a podiatrist can offer more targeted arthritis pain relief treatments to help keep you moving.

3. Bunions and Toe Deformities 

Bunions and toe deformities like hammertoe or claw toe are common foot problems that tend to get worse with age. 

  • A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, pushing it sideways and often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty fitting into shoes. 
  • Hammertoes and claw toes, which cause the toes to bend in unnatural positions, can develop from years of wearing tight or unsupportive footwear, or they may be inherited. 

For both conditions, you might notice your toes rubbing together, forming calluses, or becoming stiff and painful. The good news is that early care can help slow down these changes: 

  • Wearing wide, padded shoes gives your feet more space, while toe splints or gel pads can ease pressure. 
  • Orthotics and physical therapy may also help reduce pain and improve alignment. 

When conservative treatments aren’t enough or your symptoms start to limit your ability to walk or stay active, surgical options like Lapiplasty may be recommended to correct the deformity and restore mobility.

4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetic Foot Ulcers

For older adults living with diabetes, foot problems can quickly become serious if they’re not caught early. One of the biggest concerns is peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet. 

When you can’t feel pain or pressure normally, it’s easy to miss small injuries, like a blister or cut, that can turn into foot ulcers. Poor circulation only makes healing harder, and if left untreated, these wounds can lead to infection or even gangrene. Warning signs include: 

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Swelling
  • Changes in skin color or temperature
  • Sores that don’t heal

If you notice any of these, it’s important to get medical help right away. Managing blood sugar levels carefully can help slow the progression of nerve damage. In more advanced cases, foot specialists may recommend wound cleaning, custom diabetic shoes to help offload pressure points, and expert diabetic foot care from a podiatrist. For deep or stubborn ulcers, advanced treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be necessary to aid in tissue healing.

Where to Find the Best Foot and Ankle Doctor in Huntington Park for Foot Pain Treatment

Foot pain has a way of slowing everything down, but at La Clinica de Los Pies, we take the time to truly listen, so you feel seen, heard, and supported from the moment you walk through our doors. 

‍Dr. Ebram Abdelmalak is a board-certified podiatrist who combines advanced technology with a warm, individualized approach to care. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, a stubborn toenail issue, or a chronic foot condition, Dr. A offers thoughtful solutions that prioritize your comfort, mobility, and long-term foot health. 

We utilize tools such as in-house X-rays, ultrasound, and laser therapy to quickly diagnose and treat problems, often without the need for surgery. Our team speaks both English and Spanish, and we offer same-day appointments to make expert care more accessible. 

Ready to see the best foot and ankle specialist in Huntington Park for reliable, compassionate foot care that fits real life?