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Bunions, Calluses And Bone Spurs - Painful Problems That Keep You Off Your Feet

2 June 2016 by Sasha Meyer

As you age, your feet will show signs of changes that can make walking and even wearing shoes uncomfortable. Many of these foot conditions can be treated easily by your local podiatrist. Don't let these painful foot conditions keep you from getting out for a healthy walk. Here are some of the most common foot problems that seniors can experience and how they are treated.

Bunions

Abnormal bone growth at the base and side of your big toe can crowd that toe against the other toes. The lump created by the bone rubs against your shoe and develops a painful callus. You'll have difficulty finding shoes that are comfortable. Your foot doctor can shave away part of the bone growth to reduce the irritation and allow your toes to become aligned properly again.

Hammer Toes

When the tendons responsible for your toes contract, they pull your toes down into a curled position. The tops of those toes rub against your shoes causing blisters and open sores. The podiatrist can try shoe inserts to move your toes down into a more normal position. When this doesn't give you enough relief, a surgical procedure can be done to release the tendons and allow the toes to relax.

Plantar Corns

Bony areas on your foot can rub against your shoe and create calluses. As the callus continues to develop, it hardens into a tough mass which makes wearing shoes difficult. This hard mass can go deep into your foot, at which time it's called a corn. The foot doctor can give you pads to wear around the corn to help cushion it from rubbing on the shoe. They can also give you a medication to apply to the corn to soften and dissolve it. Surgery to remove the corm is also an option if the other non-invasive treatments fail.

Neuromas

Sometimes a nerve in the foot will become so sensitive that just brushing a sock over it is painful. These neuromas can occur anywhere on the foot, but are often seen on the top of the foot between the third and fourth toes. When these nerves become too uncomfortable, surgery is done to remove the irritated nerve.

Bone Spurs

Tiny pieces of bone can grow on your heel where the tendons attach and tug on the bone. These normally don't cause a problem and are eventually absorbed back into the body. Occasionally, the bone spur will irritate the tendons around it, causing pain and inflammation. A bone spur on your foot can be so painful that you can't walk on it. The podiatrist can fit you with shoe inserts that relieve pressure on your heel until the bone spur is absorbed. If the pain continues, surgical removal of the piece of bone can be done.

For more information, talk to a professional like High Desert Foot & Ankle Clinic - Wonsik Y Bollmann DPM.

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