Foot disorders in the elderly: A mini-review

Abstract

Ageing process is associated with changes to the aspect, biomechanics, structure and function of the foot, it may be related with a marked presence of foot conditions, pain, disability and other overall health problems that constitute a major public health concern. Also, the prevalence of epidemiologic research found an incidence of foot problems which is even higher as a consequence of increasing life expectation. Several studies have also suggested that such foot disorders currently affect between 71 and 87% of older patients and are a frequent cause of medical and foot care. Thus, these kind problems are extremely common conditions in the general population, especially in the elderly who are associated with poor quality of life, balance impairment, increase the risk of falls, dificulty on putting shoes, fractures, restrict mobility and performance of activities of daily living that turn can produce serious physical, mental and social consequences in the older people. The role of the physician in the assessment, evaluation, and examination of foot problems is very important, yet it is often an overlooked and undervalued component of geriatric health care. The purpose of this article is to review and to provide an overview of the most common foot deformities precipitating factors, clinical presentation, evidence-based diagnostic evaluation, and treatment recommendations with a view to preventing medical conditions or deformities affecting the feet that may alter foot condition and general health amongst the elderly.