Aging Feet

Skin Disorders of Aging Feet

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are usually caused by undue friction and pressure around a bony prominence. A soft corn (heloma molle), which usually occurs between the toes, is caused by pressure from adjacent toes. Symptoms range from generalized burning to severe pinpoint pain. If not properly treated, a corn can lead to inflammation and infection.

Foot Pain Due to Systemic Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disease

Vascular disease commonly affects the legs and feet. Symptoms include exertional pain, edema, skin colour changes, coldness, burning, numbness, loss of hair growth, and ulcers. Nail changes, especially thickening and onychomycosis, occur as vascular disease advances. Poor circulation diminishes the ability to combat infection, and even the slightest cut or bruise may cause ulcers or gangrene.

Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes have many of the same symptoms as those with peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes may cause paresthesias, motor weakness, numbness, burning, and cramping. Elderly patients with diabetes may also have colour and temperature changes, dry and scaly skin, and edema that may result from generalized systemic disease or localized infection. Nail changes are similar to those that occur with peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetic patients are prone to ulcers, especially on the weight-bearing surfaces of the foot. Ulcers may be neurotrophic or vascular. A neurotrophic ulcer is usually painless, and the patient may not be aware of it. Ulcers often lead to infection, osteomyelitis, and gangrene. Use of an acidic over-the-counter corn remedy may cause skin sloughing and soft tissue destruction and may precipitate ulceration.

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