Foot problems in the elderly

A survey of foot abnormalities was carried out on elderly subjects, aged 75 years and over, in four general practices in Salford ; 536 out of a total of 952 elderly people were seen, 87% of whom had foot abnormalities. One or more bony deformities were seen in 81 % of subjects, the most common being hallux valgus, clawed and retracted toes, hammered second toes and hallux rigidus. Subcutaneous tissue abnormalities such as contracture of the extensor hallucis longus tendon were common, but bursae over the hallux valgus deformities were relatively rare. Corns and callous were frequent, and over half the subjects had nail abnormalities. Foot problems interfered with mobility in only 5.8% of patients, but 78.7% of all subjects required some form of chiropodial help. Of these, only 16.8% were not receiving treatment.