How the Foot Changes with Age
After 65, feet do not work the same way they did at 40. Skin thins, heals more slowly, and dries out faster. Fat pads under the forefoot shrink, increasing pressure on sensitive areas. Nails thicken and become harder to cut without help.
In Tel Aviv, hot weather and long walks on pavement or sand add extra strain. Many of my senior patients come to me when a small wound or heel crack starts limiting their daily outings.
Common Problems in Seniors
In clinic, I regularly see the same situations:
Dry Skin and Cracks
Dryness on the heels and sides of the feet is common. Without regular moisturizing, superficial cracks appear. They can become painful and infected if ignored.
Corns and Calluses
Years of pressure in poorly fitting shoes leave hard areas under the forefoot or on the sides. These calluses sometimes change how you walk.
Thick or Hard-to-Cut Nails
Nails thicken with age. Cutting them alone becomes risky: cuts, ingrown nails, or injuries under the nail. A podiatrist can trim them safely.
Pain That Limits Walking
Plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or toe arthritis make walking uncomfortable. People shorten their outings, then avoid walking altogether. Mobility drops quickly.
Podiatry tip
If an older relative struggles to cut nails or inspect their feet, offer a quick weekly check of heels and spaces between toes. Two minutes is enough to spot a wound before it worsens.
Home Care Routine
A few simple daily habits protect feet over time:
- Moisturize feet each evening on clean, slightly damp skin (heels and edges, not between toes)
- Dry thoroughly between toes after showering
- Wear clean socks and shoes with room for the toes
- Change shoes if feet sweat or a spot rubs
- Inspect feet regularly, even when they do not hurt
- Ask a relative for help if bending down is difficult
For inspection, a mirror on the floor or a magnifying glass on a stand lets you see the sole without straining your back. A small investment that prevents many problems.
Feet and Falls: A Link Often Overlooked
Falls in seniors often connect to the feet. Pain that changes your gait, a claw toe that catches the floor, shoes that are too loose, or unstable heels increase the risk of tripping.
During a consultation, I examine walking, pressure points, and everyday shoes. Treating chronic pain or removing a painful callus can be enough to make walking more stable. If you have diabetes, regular podiatry follow-up is especially important; I cover this topic in a dedicated article on diabetic foot care.
When to See a Podiatrist
Home care is not always enough. Book a consultation if you notice:
- A wound or crack that does not heal after two weeks
- Spreading redness, local warmth, or pus
- Persistent pain that limits walking
- A change in foot or toe color
- New numbness or tingling
- Nails you can no longer cut safely
Do not wait until pain becomes disabling. Early care prevents complications and helps you stay active in Tel Aviv.
Home Visits for Seniors in Tel Aviv
For many of my senior patients, getting to the clinic after a long day or when walking hurts is not easy. Home visits allow examination in a real setting: everyday shoes, rugs, shower access.
I offer tailored podiatric care, safe nail trimming, corn and callus treatment, and personalized advice on footwear and hygiene. The clinic remains available for those who prefer to come in person.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a senior see a podiatrist?
Generally once or twice a year for a preventive check-up; more often with diabetes, persistent pain, or difficulty cutting nails.
Are home podiatry visits suitable for elderly people?
Yes. They avoid a difficult trip and allow examination of the feet, shoes, and home environment on site.
What foot signs should alert a senior or their family?
A wound that does not heal, spreading redness, color change, sudden pain or new numbness, or a foot that becomes warm without an obvious cause.
How can you inspect your feet when bending down is hard?
Use a magnifying glass on a stand, a mirror on the floor, or ask a relative to check heels, spaces between toes, and the soles regularly.
