As you age, your feet become more susceptible to a variety of ailments and conditions, just like the rest of your body. But foot or ankle problems and the resulting pain can seriously sidetrack your mobility. Seeing your foot doctor regularly is an excellent strategy to minimize foot, ankle, and heel problems now and as you get older.

Some of the common problems caused or exacerbated by aging of the feet and ankles include the following:

• Decreased stability and balance, with an increase in falls— Several conditions as you age can cause Nerve damage. Along with the general weakening of tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscles, debilitating falls in the elderly are a very serious concern.
• More skin and toenail conditions—An increase in dry skin conditions like heel calluses and corns are more prevalent with age. Microbial infections like fungal toenails are also more common. Be sure to have new skin lesions also checked out since they may be cancerous.
• Joint stiffness and pain—Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing away of the cushioning between the joints. Arthritic stiffness and pain in the feet and ankles can make walking a challenge.
• Swelling in the feet and ankles—Decreased blood circulation is common with age and contributes to the retention of fluid in the feet and ankles.

As you reach middle age and beyond, it’s a good idea to have your foot and ankle problems evaluated and treated by your foot doctor to decrease complications, and in many cases, avoid the need for future surgery. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.