Foot & Ankle Specialty Blog

You may already be observing the ways that growing older can change your face, your metabolism and your ability to recover from strenuous exercise — but did you realize that aging also affects your feet? Whether it’s the development of hammertoes and bunions, a slimmed-down appearance, or a newfound susceptibility to slow-healing wounds, spending decades on (and off) your feet can have quite an impact. Read on to learn more about five of the unique ways your feet may change as you age.

If you experience pain when walking or standing and notice a thickened and fleshy, callus-like growth on the bottom of your foot, you could have a plantar wart. This is a noncancerous skin growth caused by a viral infection in the top, superficial layer of the skin.

Fifteen potentially dangerous snake species or subspecies call Texas home, but more people die every year from lightning strikes than venomous snakebites, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. On average, one to two people in Texas die annually from venomous snakebites.

What is Sever's Disease?

The feet are probably the most overworked parts of the body. They support your body weight as you stand, walk, run, jump, and so on. It is, therefore, common for the feet to swell up at the end of the day. Sitting for long hours causes fluids to accumulate in your feet, which explains why your shoes fit more tightly in the evenings. The swelling caused by the accumulation of fluids under the skin is referred to as "Edema." This is quite normal, but there are instances where swollen feet should raise an alarm. These include:

Also referred to as Metatarsalgia, a stone bruise is a condition that affects the forefoot. This is the area between the toes and where the foot arcs. A stone bruise is characterized by pain and inflammation on the forefoot or the metatarsal, and more so between the phalanges. This condition occurs when two phalanges misalign and push against a nerve ending, therefore compressing it. It brings irritation to the surrounding nerves, causing them to be inflamed. A scar-tissue layer automatically forms around this area as the body seeks to protect these nerves.  

The feet support the weight of the entire body. They are, therefore, prone to problems. About 90% of us suffer from foot problems at one point or another, so it’s important to take care of our feet. This is not just limited to moisturizer and pedicures. Taking care of your feet involves wearing shoes that fit, limiting your alcohol intake, exercise, covering the feet (especially when in public spaces), regularly washing and moisturizing as well as regularly changing socks. These tips help to prevent most of the common feet problems such as bad odor, dryness, bacterial infections, discomfort, feet fungus, and feet burning sensation. Feet burning sensation, also known as hot feet, is a very common complaint. The extent and frequency of the pain can vary. It can be caused by many factors, so you’re advised to get treatment as soon as you can. Early diagnosis may help reduce the damage from the condition.

You’ve just run your first marathon (or half marathon) and suddenly your feet are killing you. There's no swelling, but you can’t walk from the pain — it even hurts to lay a blanket on top of them. What gives?

From broken nails and blisters to hammer toes and fractures, foot problems are very common among dancers. Over time, years of dancing jazz, tap, ballet and en pointe can result in more serious, permanent damage to the feet. Completing jumps, plies and pointes requires healthy, mobile, flexible feet, so even though many dancers simply dance their way through the pain, taking preventive measures and getting proper treatment for foot injuries is important.