As people grow older, balance can become less reliable due to changes in strength, sensation, vision, and reaction time. Reduced nerve feedback from the feet and ankles, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness all affect how the body stays upright during movement. Certain medications and chronic conditions may further interfere with coordination. When balance declines, the risk of falls increases, which can lead to injuries, loss of independence, and reduced confidence with daily activities. Early attention can make a meaningful difference. Wearing supportive footwear, strength and stability exercises, vision care, and management of underlying foot or ankle issues may help improve steadiness. Addressing foot pain or altered sensation is especially important, since the feet provide critical feedback for balance control. If unsteadiness, frequent tripping, or a fear of falling develops, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate care.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor circulation occurs when blood flow through the vessels is reduced, limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. In the feet, this can lead to slow healing, skin changes, and increased risk of infection. Common symptoms include numbness and tingling, cold hands and feet, swelling, muscle cramps, and the appearance of varicose veins. Causes may include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and habits such as standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, which restrict healthy blood flow. Reduced circulation can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess circulation, monitor foot health, and recommend appropriate care and lifestyle guidance. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Cory Brown, DPM of Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bone spurs are growths that can develop on the heel, the top of the foot or the toe. On the heel, they often form gradually, creating discomfort that can interfere with daily activities. Symptoms include sharp pain when standing up in the morning, aching after long periods of walking, and tenderness at the bottom of the heel. A heel spur may appear on imaging as a small hook-like projection, but it may not be visible from the outside, making the internal sensation of pressure or stabbing pain the most noticeable sign. Causes commonly include high impact activities or osteoarthritis. A podiatrist begins with a thorough evaluation that may include imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotics, stretching programs, footwear guidance, or targeted anti-inflammatory care. For persistent cases, advanced treatments may also be considered. If you are dealing with heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoes develop when the muscles and tendons that normally keep the toes straight fall out of balance, causing one or more toes to bend at the middle joint. This condition often begins quietly but may progress with symptoms, such as aching pain, stiffness, and skin irritation. Common signs include redness, corns, and calluses. Hammertoes may look curled or buckled, and the affected toe can rub painfully against shoes, making walking uncomfortable and footwear difficult to tolerate. Causes include inherited foot structure, improper footwear, arthritis, or long-term pressure on the toes. A podiatrist can help by first performing a thorough examination and imaging, if needed, to confirm the diagnosis and identify contributing factors. Treatment may begin with shoe modifications, padding, or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and improve alignment, and can progress to targeted exercises, medications, or corrective procedures when necessary. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.