Foot Health for Older Adults: Staying Active and Preventing Falls After 60

Quick answer: Foot Health Older Adults Fall Prevention is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

How Aging Changes Your Feet

The plantar fat pad — the natural cushion under the heel and ball of the foot — thins by 30-50% between ages 20 and 70. This loss of cushioning exposes bones to higher impact forces and is a primary cause of forefoot pain in older adults that was not present earlier in life.

Joint cartilage degenerates with age, causing osteoarthritis in the big toe joint (hallux rigidus), midfoot, and ankle. Morning stiffness, decreased range of motion, and pain with walking are common manifestations that progressively limit activity if not addressed.

Tendon strength decreases with age, making the posterior tibial tendon, Achilles tendon, and peroneal tendons more vulnerable to degeneration and tears. Adult acquired flatfoot from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is one of the most common causes of progressive foot deformity after 60.

Peripheral circulation declines with age, particularly in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Reduced blood flow slows wound healing, increases infection risk, and makes foot skin more fragile and vulnerable to breakdown.

Fall Prevention Starts With Your Feet

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalization in adults over 65, and foot problems are a major contributing factor. Painful feet, impaired balance from joint stiffness, and poor footwear are all modifiable fall risk factors.

In our clinic, we assess fall risk as part of every senior patient visit by evaluating ankle range of motion, proprioceptive balance (single-leg stance time), foot muscle strength, and shoe adequacy. Patients with identified risk factors receive targeted interventions.

Balance training — even simple exercises like standing on one foot while brushing your teeth or practicing tandem walking — significantly reduces fall risk when practiced consistently. We prescribe specific balance programs based on each patient’s current ability level.

PowerStep Pinnacle insoles provide the arch support and heel cushioning that aging feet need. Combined with properly fitted shoes that have non-slip soles, firm heel counters, and adjustable closures, insoles dramatically improve stability and comfort for older adults.

Shoe Selection for Stability and Comfort

Ideal shoes for older adults have a firm, non-slip rubber sole with adequate tread, a heel height under 1 inch, a wide toe box that accommodates bunions and hammertoes, adjustable closures (Velcro or laces), and a supportive heel counter that holds the foot stable.

Avoid shoes that increase fall risk: slippers without heel counters, flip-flops, high heels, shoes with worn-smooth soles, and shoes that are too large and allow the foot to slide. If you cannot feel the ground through the sole, the cushioning is adequate — if you can feel every pebble, it is time for new shoes.

Many older adults wear shoes that are too small because their feet have widened over decades from ligament loosening. Have your feet measured annually — foot size changes throughout life, and wearing the wrong size causes corns, calluses, and pressure ulcers.

Toenail and Skin Care for Aging Feet

Toenails thicken with age (onychauxis) due to repeated micro-trauma and reduced circulation. Thick nails are difficult and dangerous to trim at home — sharp instruments near toes with reduced sensation and slower healing is a recipe for infection.

Professional podiatric nail care every 8-12 weeks keeps nails at a safe length and shape, reduces ingrown nail risk, and provides an opportunity for your podiatrist to monitor for skin changes, circulation problems, and early signs of disease.

Skin becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile with age. Daily moisturizing with urea-based creams prevents cracking, particularly on the heels where fissures can deepen and become infected. Never apply moisturizer between the toes — this area needs to stay dry to prevent fungal infection.

Calluses and corns should be managed professionally rather than with over-the-counter acid patches or razors at home. Medicated corn pads contain salicylic acid that can burn through fragile skin and create wounds, particularly in diabetic patients or those with poor circulation.

Exercise Programs That Strengthen Aging Feet

Towel scrunches, marble pickups, and toe yoga (spreading and curling toes) strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles that stabilize the arch and maintain balance. Perform these exercises while seated watching television — consistency matters more than intensity.

Calf raises and ankle circles maintain the calf and ankle strength needed for walking, balance, and fall prevention. Start with supported calf raises holding onto a counter, progressing to unsupported as strength improves.

Walking remains the single best exercise for overall foot health in older adults. It maintains bone density, joint flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Aim for 30 minutes of walking most days in supportive shoes on even surfaces.

Swimming and water exercise provide excellent foot and ankle conditioning without impact stress. The water provides resistance for strengthening while supporting body weight, making it ideal for older adults with arthritis or balance concerns.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Our senior foot care program includes comprehensive foot examination, fall risk assessment, routine nail and skin care, custom orthotics, diabetic foot monitoring, and treatment of age-related foot conditions. We see most senior patients every 2-3 months for preventive care.

Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or visit michiganfootdoctors.com/new-patient-information/ to schedule.

The Most Common Mistake We See

The most common mistake older adults make is accepting foot pain as a normal part of aging. While feet do change with age, pain is never normal — it always indicates a treatable condition. Every year you spend walking on painful feet increases your fall risk and reduces your independence.

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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Our team provides sport-specific evaluation and treatment to get you back to your activity safely. We offer same-day X-ray, in-office ultrasound, and custom orthotic fabrication.

Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should seniors see a podiatrist?

Healthy seniors should see a podiatrist every 3-4 months for preventive nail and skin care. Diabetic seniors, those with circulation problems, or those with active foot conditions should be seen every 2-3 months or as recommended by their podiatrist.

Does Medicare cover podiatry for seniors?

Yes, Medicare covers podiatric evaluation and treatment of medical foot conditions, routine care for diabetic patients, and the Therapeutic Shoe Program for qualifying diabetic patients. Routine nail care is covered when performed by a podiatrist for medical indications.

What shoes are best for older adults?

The best shoes for seniors have non-slip rubber soles, firm heel counters, adjustable closures, wide toe boxes, and heel heights under 1 inch. Avoid slippers, flip-flops, and shoes with worn-smooth soles. Have feet measured annually.

How can seniors prevent falls related to foot problems?

Prevent falls by wearing supportive shoes with non-slip soles, using orthotics for arch support, practicing daily balance exercises, managing foot pain proactively, and having regular podiatric checkups to identify and treat problems early.

The Bottom Line

Your feet have carried you for decades — they deserve attention and care as you age. Proactive foot health maintains your mobility, prevents falls, and keeps you doing the things you love. Do not wait for a problem to develop — prevention is always easier than treatment.

Sources

1. Menz HB, et al. Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people. Gerontology. 2025;71(1):22-30.
2. 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.

Senior Foot Care & Fall Prevention in Michigan

Foot problems are a leading cause of falls in older adults, but many are treatable with proper podiatric care. Custom orthotics, proper footwear, toenail care, and balance exercises can dramatically reduce fall risk. Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive senior foot care at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Learn About Our Senior Foot Care Services | 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. Menant JC, et al. Optimizing footwear for older people at risk of falls. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development. 2008;45(8):1167-1181.
3. Cockayne S, et al. Incidence of falls and foot problems in community-dwelling older people. BMC Geriatrics. 2017;17:80.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your senior foot care, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Clinical foot and ankle services at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Custom OrthoticsFoot BracingMLS Laser