Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Foot Care After 65: Different Needs, Different Priorities
Podiatric care for adults over 65 involves clinical considerations that are distinct from younger patient management — different healing characteristics, different risk profiles, different goals of care, and different treatment constraints shape how foot and ankle conditions are evaluated and treated in older adults. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, a significant proportion of our patients are older adults, and we provide age-appropriate care that balances effective treatment with the realities of geriatric physiology.
Age-Related Foot Changes That Affect Management
Normal aging produces foot changes that alter clinical presentation and treatment response. Heel fat pad atrophy: the cushioning layer beneath the heel thins with age, making the heel more vulnerable to pressure pain and bruising. Skin changes: thinner, more fragile skin with reduced elasticity heals more slowly and is more vulnerable to breakdown from friction, pressure, and callus removal. Nail changes: slower-growing, thicker, more brittle nails that are harder to trim safely — particularly important in patients on blood thinners or with diabetes. Reduced proprioception: declining sensory feedback from foot and ankle mechanoreceptors increases fall risk. Circulatory changes: reduced arterial elasticity impairs peripheral circulation and wound healing capacity.
Fall Prevention: A Critical Foot Care Goal
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization and death in adults over 65, and foot and ankle health is directly linked to fall risk. Factors that podiatry addresses to reduce fall risk: painful feet that alter gait and reduce confidence walking, toenails that catch on carpeting and cause trips, footwear that is inadequate for stability (slippers, unsupportive shoes), peripheral neuropathy reducing sensory feedback, ankle weakness and instability, and deformities that impair stable stance. Comprehensive geriatric foot evaluation includes fall risk assessment and specific recommendations to reduce modifiable foot-related fall risk factors.
Surgical Decision-Making in Older Adults
Surgery in older adults requires balancing the benefits of correction against the risks of anesthesia, slower healing, and prolonged recovery. For older patients with serious comorbidities, conservative management that manages symptoms may be preferred over corrective surgery with lengthy non-weight-bearing requirements. For healthy, active older adults, surgery can provide significant functional improvement and is absolutely appropriate when conservative measures are inadequate. The risk-benefit analysis is individualized based on overall health status, activity goals, and the specific condition. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for a comprehensive geriatric foot evaluation tailored to your health status, activity goals, and priorities.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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When to See a Podiatrist for Foot Care After 65
Foot problems increase significantly after age 65 due to fat pad thinning, circulation changes, arthritis, and balance decline. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive geriatric foot care including fall prevention assessment, nail care, diabetic foot monitoring, and custom footwear guidance.
Learn About Our Senior Foot Care Options | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Menz HB, Morris ME, Lord SR. Foot and ankle characteristics associated with impaired balance and functional ability in older people. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005;60(12):1546-1552.
- Dunn JE, Link CL, Felson DT, et al. Prevalence of foot and ankle conditions in a multiethnic community sample of older adults. Am J Epidemiol. 2004;159(5):491-498.
- Menz HB, Lord SR. The contribution of foot problems to mobility impairment and falls in community-dwelling older people. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2001;49(12):1651-1656.
Insurance Accepted
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Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh - An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology - Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed - Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)