Utah's seniors most commonly face arthritis, diabetic foot complications, bunions, poor circulation, thinning fat pads, and balance changes that raise fall risk. Each of these conditions is manageable with the right combination of daily foot care, supportive footwear, and regular podiatric checkups — the key is catching problems early, before they limit mobility.
Feet take a lifetime of wear, and by the time we reach our sixties and seventies, decades of walking, standing, and shifting body weight start to show. At Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute, we see Northern Utah seniors every week for exactly these issues — and the encouraging news is that most respond well to proactive, conservative care. Below, our podiatrists walk through the foot problems we see most often in older adults and what you can do about each one.
Arthritis makes foot and ankle joints stiff and painful
The foot and ankle contain more than 30 joints, and each one is a candidate for arthritis as cartilage wears down over time. Osteoarthritis is the most common form in older adults, causing stiffness, swelling, and aching pain that is often worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also affect the feet and tends to involve multiple joints on both sides of the body.
Regular podiatric checkups help track joint changes over time, and treatment usually starts with supportive footwear, custom bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity modification before more advanced options are considered.
Diabetic foot complications require daily vigilance
Diabetes is especially common among Utah seniors, and it can quietly damage both nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Reduced sensation (neuropathy) means a cut, blister, or ill-fitting shoe can go unnoticed, while reduced circulation slows healing — a combination that can allow a minor wound to become a serious infection. Diabetic foot care built around daily self-checks, proper footwear, and routine professional exams is one of the most effective ways to prevent complications like ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.
We recommend that anyone with diabetes examine their feet every day — including the soles and between the toes — and have a podiatrist perform a comprehensive diabetic foot exam at least once a year, more often if neuropathy or circulation problems are already present.
Bunions and thinning fat pads change how the foot bears weight
Bunions, the bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often develop gradually over decades and become more prominent and painful with age. At the same time, the natural fat padding on the bottom of the foot — which cushions every step — thins out over the years, leaving bone and joints with less protection against everyday impact. Together, these changes can make standing and walking noticeably more uncomfortable.
Roomier, supportive shoes and cushioned or custom insoles often ease symptoms significantly. When a bunion becomes painful enough to limit daily activity despite conservative measures, bunion removal can restore comfortable, pain-free walking.
Poor circulation and balance changes raise fall risk
Peripheral artery disease and general age-related changes in blood flow can leave the feet feeling cold, numb, or slow to heal from even minor injuries — a warning sign that should never be ignored. At the same time, reduced sensation, weaker ankle muscles, and stiffer joints can affect balance, and unsteady footing is one of the leading causes of falls among older adults. A thorough podiatric evaluation can identify circulation and balance issues early, before they lead to a fall or a wound that won't heal.
How to protect your feet as you age
- Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or changes in color or temperature
- Choose supportive, well-fitted shoes with a firm heel and non-slip sole
- Consider custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and improve stability
- Keep moving — gentle, low-impact activity supports circulation and joint health
- Moisturize dry skin, but keep the areas between your toes dry to prevent fungal infection
- Schedule a podiatric exam at least once a year, or more often with diabetes or arthritis
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist promptly if you notice a wound that isn't healing, new numbness or tingling, a change in foot color or temperature, increasing joint pain, or any change in your balance or gait. Because complications can progress quickly in older adults, especially with diabetes or poor circulation, early evaluation makes treatment simpler and more effective. You can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices to have your feet checked.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.