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Some foot problems start in the foot itself, for example, from a foot injury; others result from diseases that affect many parts of the body, such as diabetes. Problems can occur in any bone, joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament of the foot. Foot fractures are fairly common (see Fractures: Foot). Nail discoloration of the foot should always be looked into because it may be caused by certain disorders, including a fungal infection.
With age, many changes occur in the feet. For instance, there is typically less hair; brown coloration (pigmentation) may occur in spots or patches; and the skin may become dry. The toenails often become thicker and curved, and fungal infections of the nails occur commonly. The feet may actually enlarge in length and width because of changes in the ligaments and joints. A person with these types of changes may need to wear larger shoes. Elderly feet have often been damaged by a lifetime of ill-fitting shoes.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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