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Foot Health After 60: Common Problems and Proactive Prevention

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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These products are personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

Your Feet at 60 and Beyond

Aging brings predictable changes to foot structure, tissue quality, and function that affect a significant percentage of older adults. Studies show that over 75% of adults over 65 have at least one significant foot problem. Because foot health is directly linked to balance, mobility, and independence, addressing foot conditions proactively is an important component of healthy aging. The podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan partner with older adult patients to maintain foot health and mobility through their later years.

What Changes in the Aging Foot

Several predictable structural changes occur with aging. The fat pads on the heel and ball of the foot atrophy — this natural cushioning progressively thins, increasing pain with weight-bearing on hard surfaces. Ligaments and tendons lose elasticity and strength, reducing arch support and ankle stability. Skin becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile, prone to cracking and breakdown. Toenails thicken and become more brittle, making proper trimming difficult. Circulation to the feet decreases. Sensory nerves may reduce sensitivity, impairing proprioception and increasing fall risk. Bone density decreases, raising fracture risk from falls.

Most Common Foot Conditions in Older Adults

Metatarsalgia from fat pad atrophy causes burning ball-of-foot pain on hard surfaces — cushioning insoles and rocker-bottom footwear provide significant relief. Hallux valgus (bunion) deformities progress with age and may become symptomatic after being well-tolerated for decades. Hammertoes and claw toes develop as intrinsic foot muscles weaken. Plantar fasciitis, heel pad syndrome, and Achilles tendinopathy become more common. Peripheral neuropathy — from diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or idiopathic causes — increases fall risk by reducing foot sensation. Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) prevalence increases dramatically with age, affecting up to 50% of adults over 70.

Footwear Becomes More Important With Age

Poor footwear is a major contributor to foot problems and falls in older adults. The ideal shoe for an older adult provides firm heel support (preventing calcaneal eversion that contributes to falls), a wide, roomy toe box accommodating deformities, substantial midsole cushioning replacing lost fat pad protection, a low heel (less than half inch) for stability, and secure fastening (lace-ups or Velcro rather than slip-ons that allow the foot to slide). Avoid shoes with worn, compressed soles — they provide little cushioning or stability despite appearing intact externally.

Nail and Skin Care

Proper toenail care becomes more challenging with age due to thickened nails, reduced flexibility, and visual impairment. Attempting to cut severely thickened or curved nails without proper tools and technique risks lacerations and subsequent infection. Professional nail care by a podiatrist — particularly for diabetic patients — ensures safe management and monitors for any developing skin or nail pathology. Moisturizing the feet daily (avoiding between the toes) prevents dryness and cracking that can lead to bacterial entry points.

Proactive Prevention

The most effective approach to foot health after 60 is prevention rather than treatment after problems develop. Annual podiatric check-ups allow early identification of developing deformities, vascular changes, neurological changes, and skin conditions before they become serious. For diabetic older adults, every 3-month podiatric visits are standard of care. Custom orthotics compensate for fat pad loss, fallen arches, and biomechanical changes. Fall prevention programs incorporating balance training, appropriate footwear, and home modification are among the most effective interventions to maintain independence in older adults.

Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.

Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI

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Over 60? Proactive Foot Care Keeps You Independent

Maintaining healthy feet after 60 is essential for balance, mobility, and independent living. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive senior foot care including diabetic monitoring, nail care, fall prevention, and treatment for age-related conditions.

Learn About Senior Foot Care | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

  1. Menz HB, et al. Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people. Gerontology. 2006;52(6):386-394.
  2. Barr EL, et al. Foot and leg problems are important determinants of functional status in community dwelling older people. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2005;27(16):917-923.
  3. Jessup RL. Foot pathology and inappropriate footwear as risk factors for falls in a subacute aged-care hospital. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2007;97(3):213-217.

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More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

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Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

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PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles, Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Made in USA Orthotic Insoles, Arch Support Inserts with Moderate Pronation, #1 Podiatrist Recommended (M 14-15)
  • 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.
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The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

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  • 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.

General Foot Care - Balance Foot & Ankle

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

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Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Arch support addressing age-related arch collapse and heel pain.

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Podiatrist Heel Cups with Gel Cushion

Heel cushioning for fat-pad atrophy in seniors.

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NervaCore Nerve Support Supplement

Nerve support for aging-related neuropathy symptoms.

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Aircast AirSport Ankle Brace

Ankle stability for seniors with balance concerns.

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Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)

If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.

📋 Affiliate Disclosure + Trust Statement:
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
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PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

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Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.

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3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.
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Medical References
  1. Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
  2. Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
  4. Heel Pain (APMA)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
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