Thick Toenails, Heel Pain and Swollen Feet After 50

Thick, discolored toenails

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says the first sign of nail fungus is usually a change to the nail: a different color on part of the nail, a brittle nail that cracks or splits, or buildup under a discolored nail. It often starts on the big or second toe.

Nail fungus almost never goes away on its own, and it can spread to other nails. A dermatologist can examine the nail and may take a small sample to look at under a microscope, which also helps choose the right treatment. The AAD says treatment can include prescription medicine, and that a clear big toenail can take a year or longer to grow out.

It spreads from person to person and through shared towels or nail clippers. The AAD says keeping nails clean, short, and dry can help prevent it, and walking barefoot on pool decks, in public showers, or in locker rooms can expose you to it.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology, "Nail fungus: FAQs"
• American Academy of Dermatology, "Nail fungus: Diagnosis and treatment"

Heel pain with your first steps

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain on the bottom of the foot at the heel, and it's most common in people 40 to 60. The classic sign is pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed, or after a long rest like a car ride, that usually goes away after a few minutes of walking.

The encouraging part: the AAOS says more than 90 percent of patients improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment methods. It calls stretching the calves and the plantar fascia the most effective way to relieve the pain, along with resting from activities that pound the feet on hard surfaces.

Sources

• AAOS OrthoInfo, "Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs"

Swollen feet and ankles

MedlinePlus says painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people. Long flights or car rides and standing for long periods often lead to some swelling, and some medicines can too, like the blood pressure medicines called calcium channel blockers.

MedlinePlus suggests:

• raising your legs on pillows above your heart while lying down
• exercising your legs
• following a low-salt diet
• wearing support stockings
• taking breaks to stand up and move around when traveling
• avoiding tight clothing around your thighs

Never stop a medicine you think is causing swelling without talking with your health care provider first.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, "Foot, leg, and ankle swelling"

Numbness, tingling, and daily foot checks

Pain, tingling, and not being able to feel vibration or touch, especially in the hands or feet, are among the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (NINDS). Diabetes is one of the conditions that can lead to it.

The CDC says nerve damage can make you lose feeling in your feet, so a cut, blister, or sore can go unnoticed. Its daily foot care tips are written for people with diabetes, and many are easy habits for anyone:

• Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, and nail changes. Use a mirror or ask a family member for help.
• Wash your feet in warm water, not hot, dry them completely, and use lotion on the tops and bottoms, but not between the toes.
• Wear shoes, socks, or slippers, even indoors, and shoes that fit well.
• Trim toenails straight across and smooth sharp edges. A podiatrist can trim them if you can't reach your feet.
• Don't remove corns or calluses yourself.

Sources

• NINDS, "Peripheral Neuropathy"
• CDC, "Your Feet and Diabetes"