As you get older, it can be more challenging to stay active. You might notice that your balance isn't as steady, you’re not as strong as you used to be or your joints feel stiff. These changes can make it hard to do everyday things like walking, running errands or taking care of household tasks.
“While we can expect some changes in our bodies as we get older, chronic pain and deformities are not necessarily part of aging,” said Ahmed Attia, MD, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon with Banner - University Medicine.
Foot and ankle problems can be a major reason it might be hard for you to move around easily and stay independent. But sometimes surgery can help.
If you or someone you care about has trouble walking, standing, fitting into shoes or staying active because of foot or ankle pain, it's worth looking into the treatment options that are available. Surgery might seem like a big step, but it could help you feel better and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Why do foot and ankle problems affect seniors?
Your feet and ankles work hard for you over the years. It's not surprising that as you age, you might develop issues like:
- Arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness
- Deformities like bunions or hammertoes that change the shape of your foot
- Tendon injuries, including wear and tear in the Achilles tendon or other foot tendons
- Fractures, especially if you fall or have weak bones
These problems can cause pain, stiffness and instability that make walking harder. You might start to avoid stairs, cut back on activities you love or need to use a cane or walker for support. When you can't move as easily, it can lead to other health problems, too.
When is foot and ankle surgery the right choice?
Not every foot or ankle problem needs surgery. Often, rest, physical therapy, medications, injections or special shoes can help you feel better.
“Seeing an orthopedic surgeon does not necessarily mean that you need surgery. Surgery is generally the last resort,” Dr. Attia said.
If your pain keeps coming back or it's affecting your daily life, your orthopedic surgeon might suggest surgery.
Dr. Attia said surgery can help if:
- Other treatment options haven’t worked
- Deformities and pain make it hard for you to do activities or wear footwear
- You need to correct alignment so your bones heal in the right position
- You can’t do the things you enjoy, like gardening or going out
- You are losing strength, balance or independence
What types of foot and ankle surgery are there?
With surgery, the goals are to reduce pain, improve your range of motion, improve balance and make it easier for you to walk. Depending on your issue, your health care provider might recommend specific procedures:
- Arthritis: “With joint fusion or joint replacement, you can significantly reduce or eliminate pain and get back to your daily activities and hobbies,” Dr. Attia said. “And some joints can be safely fused without a noticeable difference in function."
- Deformities: "The foot is made of 28 bones with unique shapes and meeting points that work in perfect harmony. When this harmony is disrupted, mobility can become limited," Dr. Attia said. Surgery to correct the alignment can help your foot fit better in shoes, reduce pain from walking improperly and irritation and help protect the joints from wear and tear.
- Tendinitis: Repairing torn or damaged tissue can help reduce pain and allow your muscles to move and work properly.
- Fractures: Fixing fractures helps bones heal correctly and reduces the risk of arthritis.
For some types of surgery, including treatment for bunions, joint fusion and Achilles repair, precise minimally invasive techniques through tiny incisions and arthroscopy (putting a small camera inside a joint) mean you may recover more quickly and have a lower risk of complications. And in some cases, 3D printed instruments are designed to exactly match your anatomy.
What are the benefits of foot and ankle surgery for older adults?
Many people are surprised by how much better they feel after foot or ankle surgery. The benefits can include:
- Less pain when you’re standing or walking
- Stronger, more stable feet and ankles
- Better range of motion and flexibility
- Improved balance and less risk of falling
- More independence — you can stay active, drive, keep up with your social life and continue doing your favorite activities
What is recovery from foot or ankle surgery like?
Right after surgery, you’ll probably have a nerve block that numbs your foot and ankle for about a day. After that, pain medications, ice and elevating your foot can help with pain and swelling. “You might have swelling for the first few months but it should gradually get better,” Dr. Attia said.
Recovering from foot or ankle surgery takes time. Most people start feeling better within a few weeks but full recovery can take a few months.
"Each surgery is different and your personal factors play a role,” Dr. Attia said. “Generally, you need to keep your foot immobilized for six to eight weeks for surgery on the ankle or the back of the foot. You may be able to bear weight sooner for surgery on the front of the foot.”
You may need to:
- Wear a cast, boot or brace to protect your foot or ankle.
- Use crutches, a walker or a scooter. “These aids can help keep you mobile and independent while protecting your foot and ankle until you can safely bear weight again,” Dr. Attia said.
- Go to physical therapy to build strength and flexibility.
- Make small changes at home to stay safe.
Some factors may slow recovery or make complications more likely. “Uncontrolled diabetes, smoking or using nicotine products can increase your risk of surgical complications like wound issues and bones that don’t heal properly,” Dr. Attia said.
Is surgery right for you or a loved one?
Every person is different. Just because you're older doesn't mean you can't have surgery. What's more important is your overall health, your goals and how much your foot or ankle problem is affecting your life.
Talk to a health care provider if you’re:
- Worried about walking safely
- Tired of living with foot or ankle pain
- Hoping to stay active as you age
- You have a new deformity or worsening of a previous one
They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and decide what plan is best for you.
The bottom line on foot and ankle surgery for mobility
Being able to move well is important for your health and well-being. Dr. Attia said, "Movement is life!” While medication, physical therapy and other treatments help with some foot and ankle problems, in other cases you may need surgery.
If foot or ankle issues are affecting your mobility, talk to your health care provider or reach out to an expert at Banner Health to learn more about your options.
