As you age, all the steps you’ve taken every day add up, and the components of your feet and ankles begin to break down more often. With many people experiencing systemic diseases like peripheral artery disease and diabetes as they mature, there’s a concomitant increase in skin and nail conditions, among others. Seeing your foot doctor, a couple of times a year can help catch these problems before they worsen.

6 foot and ankle problems that tend to occur more frequently as you get older include the following:

1. Toenail troubles—Your toenails will become more brittle and increase in thickness as you age. It can make them harder to trim correctly, and both ingrown toenails and fungal toenails are more likely to occur.
2. Tendon and ligament issues—As you get on in years, your tendons and ligaments loosen a bit, and their strength and flexibility decrease leading to more pulls and tendon strains. Ankle instability can also increase.
3. An increase in arthritic conditions—The big toe and the ankle joint are two locations that can experience severe arthritic pain and stiffness. Various exercises and therapies are available to treat arthritis, so talk to your foot doctor.
4. Balance problems that can lead to damaging falls—Diabetes and other systemic diseases can weaken the ankles and related balance issues. Custom orthotic inserts and braces are excellent for improving balance and stability.
5. Custom orthotic inserts and braces are excellent for improving balance and stability.
6. An increase in various infections and skin conditions—Common skin conditions like warts and moles tend to increase with age. There’s also an increased chance of developing skin cancer. Many cancers mimic other skin conditions, so be sure to see your foot doctor for proper identification and treatment.

You can help mitigate age-related foot and ankle problems by making regular visits with your podiatrist. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, 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.