Our feet are often overlooked, though they do a lot of the hard work, so we can’t afford to ignore them. Also, as our bodies shrink with age, our feet seem to get bigger.
But that’s not the case. As most orthopedists agree, your foot can’t grow physically. Our bodies also change with age; tissue in our feet degenerates, and ligaments become looser, which causes strain on joints or arthritis in the spine, shoulders, and lower back.
This can cause arches to flatten and toes to spread out—a condition called “flat-foot deformity”—making it challenging for individuals with arthritis or joint pain to fit in shoes comfortably.
A 65-year-old has smaller feet than a 20-year-old, with proportionally less foot muscle and tendons to stretch the skin. Also, a natural flattening of the arch is often referred to as “fallen arches” or “overpronation.”
Some people say they have flat feet and others have high arches or an arched foot with a tendency toward overpronation (rolling inward when weight is applied). One person may have both high arches and a tendency toward overpronation.
Don’t ignore your foot
It’s vital to treat foot pain immediately, especially when it starts. This is because footwear, improper activity, and repetitive stress can lead to long-term chronic problems. “If you have pain, see a podiatrist soon as possible.” “Frequently, when people wait to get treatment, their symptoms only worsen over time.”
Let us give some pointers on caring for your foot as you become older.
Be ready to change your shoes with age
- If your feet feel the impact of aging, your shoe size may change. Most changes come from ligament deterioration, causing your arches to drop and causing larger shoe sizes to fit better.
- When it comes to shoes, especially if you have diabetes or have been diagnosed with arthritis, don’t believe that your shoe size should remain the same—it could change over time and cause discomfort.
- Studies have shown that some people may even need two different sizes of shoes: one for their left foot and one for their right foot! All you need to try is wide fitting slippers from Millercare to help you walk comfortably and avoid further complications.
- Comfort is essential when selecting new shoes, especially if you’re buying shoes that will be used for exercise. So you get to wear your boots for long periods without experiencing any discomfort or irritation.
This is where the amount of cushioning comes into play. For example, if you are buying a pair of shoes for physical activity such as running or walking, you need plenty of cushioning between your feet and what’s below them on the ground.
- Shoes should fit comfortably without pinching or pressure on the toes, heels, or side of the shoe. The socks you wear with your shoes are very important in ensuring they fit correctly. If your shoes don’t feel right, try different sizes and widths before giving up on them.
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