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.
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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📞 (810) 206-1402
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
- Menz HB, et al. Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people. Gerontology. 2006;52(6):386-394.
- 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.
- 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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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
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
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
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Arch support addressing age-related arch collapse and heel pain.
View on Amazon →Heel cushioning for fat-pad atrophy in seniors.
View on Amazon →Nerve support for aging-related neuropathy symptoms.
View on Amazon →Ankle stability for seniors with balance concerns.
View on Amazon →Related resources
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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →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.
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.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
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)