by Ann
(Parkland, Fl)
My father is 84 years old and he is having terrible pain on the bottom of his feet that is disrupting his active lifestyle. He still works full time as an accountant and has an active social life. His pain is really upsetting him. I have been to many doctors and I know he has a loss of fatty tissue on the bottom of his feet so he no longer has cushioning. I got him professionally made orthotics because he has flat feet but from what I am told that is not what is causing the pain. What can I do to help him? Have you ever heard of this in senior citizens?
We tried those gel pads but they don't work.
Thank you for your help.
Ann
Hi Ann,
This can be a difficult problem to overcome. In most instances, I find that the pain is either from loss of fat tissue on the bottom of the foot or arthritic breakdown of the feet.
You can try experimenting around with over the counter arch supports, looking for a pair that cushion the feet, yet are also supportive. Since I do not know your father's weight or his foot structure I cannot recommend any particular device.
He may also want to try some of the "pain relieving" creams that are on the market. They will not cure his problem, but if they work, they will go a long way to relieving his discomfort on a daily basis.
Marc Mitnick DPM
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