bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems
Essentials for Older People: Foot Problems
With aging, many changes occur in the feet: Older people typically have less hair on their feet. Brown discoloration (pigmentation) may occur in spots or patches. The skin may become dry and appear thinner, especially at the heel. The toenails often become thicker and curved. Fungal infections of the nails occur commonly. The size of the feet may change. The feet may actually become longer and wider because of changes in the ligaments and joints. A person with these types of changes may need to wear larger shoes. Therefore, feet should be measured periodically or when purchasing new shoes. Also, feet can be damaged by a lifetime of poorly fitting shoes. 