The Best Foot and Ankle Pain Solutions for Elderly

- Cloud Massage Brand Team

Aging is a double edged sword - your brain gets wiser, but your body gets, well, achy. And no part of our body understands that more than our feet. And why wouldn’t they? We spend most of our time standing, walking, dancing, running, skipping…you get the idea. It’s no wonder we have swollen ankles and feet, especially as we get older.

While we can’t stop aging, we can aid some of the issues that come along with it - starting from the bottom up (literally)! Let’s dive feet-first into the basics of foot care: General causes of foot and ankle pain in the elderly, some tips to curb the pain, and the best foot massagers to help you get back on your feet! 

If you’re someone older with foot pain (or anyone with foot pain), read on - Cloud Massage is here to help you out! 

Common Foot and Ankle Pain Issues While Aging

So, we know our feet ache - but why? Well, for older folks, there are a plethora of reasons. Our muscles wear, our bones get weaker, you know the deal. But, there are some external factors that cause our foot and ankle muscles a great deal of pain:

• Bunions

Bunions come from years of pressure on the balls of our feet, which causes our toes to be out of alignment. This creates a painful bump on our feet that is hard to get rid of! Bunions are one of the most common reasons for foot problems in older adults. 

• Arthritis

Arthritis almost always comes with aging, unfortunately. Most older adults deal with it in some area, and that area can often be, you guessed it - the foot. The ankle joint, subtalar joint, and the big toe joint are 3 joints that most frequently develop arthritis.

• Hammertoes

Many people don’t know about this one! Hammertoes is the name for a deformity in which the muscle/ligament around the toe joint becomes imbalanced, forcing the middle joint of the toe to bend and get stuck. If treated properly, this can be cured. Without treatment, it may require surgery! 

• Swelling

With old feet comes new problems - swelling being one of them. In fact, swelling is one of the most common foot and ankle problems (though swollen legs in the elderly is not uncommon as well). Swelling has many causes and is often treatable. 

• Calluses

These are caused by too much friction/pressure on the bottom of the foot, and are often the result of ill-fitting shoes. Older adults probably already know this from experience, but try to find supportive shoes that fit well to prevent future issues! 

• Corns

Different from calluses, corns are often formed at the top of the feet, on the toes, or over a bone/joint. They’re quite dense, very painful, and are often caused by ill-fitting shoes! 

• Achilles Tendonitis

A painful issue caused by overuse - but it’s easy to treat! Reducing activity and stretching are key (but using a Cloud Massage foot circulation massager is great too)!

• Diabetes 

Diabetes is becoming more and more widespread in the elderly population, and is a huge contributor to foot and ankle pain. It causes increased pain sensitivity, swelling, and neuropathy - all things that can be quite uncomfortable.

Tips for Foot and Ankle Pain for the Elderly

Everyone claims to have a natural remedy for swelling feet, painful corns, and everything in between - but not all of them work. For those looking for some quick relief, here are some suggestions: 

• Get medication. It sounds serious (and isn’t always cheap), but it will most certainly help. Those looking for relief from stiff ankles, general pain, or just need a quick relief, this can help - but be sure to talk to your doctor first. 

• Apply ice. Ah, ice. The cure for pain. Easer of woes. Cheap and effective, getting an ice pack is always a great way to go for foot and ankle pain.

• Try elevating your foot. Those with poor circulation in their feet may find that this is a great way to both get moving and ease some of that pressure! 

• Wear supportive shoes! Older adults know this, but we’ll repeat it again. Wear supportive shoes! Good shoes can mean the difference between constant pain and supportive relief. 

For Long-term Relief:

Looking for something that feels good and has results that last? Here’s a solution - and it’s very comfortable. 

• Get a foot massager. After a long, hard day, there really isn’t anything better than massaging your joints. It provides long-term relief by pinpointing pressure points that need the most attention. This Cloud Massage foot circulation massager is great for that! 

• Get a massage gun. Another great option for those dealing with foot and ankle pain! This massage gun is perfect for those who need relief on the go. 

• Use a foot compress daily. Grab an elastic bandage to wrap around your foot, if possible. This is a great way to see immediate relief and get long term relief. 

• See your doctor. While there are many common foot problems with aging, some are more serious than others. If your foot pain persists, it’s time to see a professional. More often than not, you can find a solution - whether it be massage, medication, or a massage gun. 

Benefits of Massage Therapy for the Elderly

Massage guns and regular foot massagers can have countless benefits - but how good are massages for the elderly, exactly? 

• It can improve your sleep habits. 

Seniors (and adults in general) who get regular massages (be it on the feet or otherwise) are shown to sleep more deeply, and for longer periods of time! This results in an overall improvement in mood, health, and physical pain. 

• It can alleviate depression. 

Muscle and blood stimulation can help our brains be a little more active, and keep us distracted and stimulated - all while helping our foot and ankle problems. 

• It provides physical (and mental) alleviation. 

The most important part is that massages make you feel good! Massage guns and foot massagers (along with regular massage) can decrease the stress hormone in our body, which gives us time to rest and rejuvenate. 

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your foot and ankle muscles as you age can be difficult - but it doesn’t have to be. We hope this blog has helped you feel a little more confident about tackling your foot and ankle pain! Oh, and if you’re interested, feel free to check out our website! It has more blogs, more info, and best of all - more massagers! 

It’s time to get the pep back in your step!

Contributing Writer: Aurora Detor