Over time, changes in the feet can be noticeable especially if pain develops. As we age, you may experience that those once comfortable shoes you’ve been wearing aren’t that comfortable anymore. Even more, you may find yourself buying a shoe that is a size larger than normal. Many are under the impression that our feet change and grow as we age but according to University of Chicago Medicine Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon Kelly Hynes, MD, that just isn’t the case.
According to Dr. Hynes, when questioned if peoples’ feet change while aging, she responded with the following, “They don’t change in size, necessarily. But feet may get wider, not longer, as we age. They change in their elasticity the same way other body parts do – tissue becomes less tight, causing the increased width and sagging of the arches.” She also noted that because the tissues and their elasticity may become weaker through age, foot injuries may occur more easily. This includes arthritis in the feet meaning a change in footwear may be needed.
Harvard did a special health report on feet noting how the feet change through the decades. The report mentions that pain is likely to occur due to natural changes and that as we age, there are different stages that our feet go through.
- During Your 30s – muscles, tendons and ligaments may start to lose resilience or weaken.
- The 40s – This is mentioned as the time in life when most start to experience pain and other problems in the feet due to the weakening of the foot structures. Soreness at the end of the day as well as bunions, hammertoe and nail fungus are all common issues during this stage of life.
- 50s and beyond – The soles of the feet become thinner leading to additional pain and stress of the feet. Bone density may also play a role in a higher risk of stress fractures. Calluses and corns become more common and chronic conditions related to foot issues become more ordinary.
The Real Problem
A survey conducted by the Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) found that as many as 75% of those surveyed had some issue with their feet. Half of those surveyed said they have foot problems that are severe enough to limit their activity in some way. Marian T. Hannan, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School noted that “… the biggest problem when it comes to foot pain is that no one knows what to do or who to talk to about it.” She continued saying that most doctors don’t receive much training on foot problems through medical schools and that patients often “… don’t think to go to a podiatrist unless they have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.”
Seeing a podiatrist on a regular basis is an important step to living a long, mobile and independent life as we age. Just as many may see the importance of going to the eye doctor or visiting your local dentist yearly, taking care of your feet help with quality of life and enjoyment throughout the decades. Pain, inflammation and other feet issues can cause numerous unwanted outcomes so keeping your body healthy (including your feet) is essential to continuing your daily lifestyle and activities! If you currently are experiencing pain in your feet, gel and foam insoles could help relieve some of the pain. Be sure to visit an expert if discomfort continues for an extend period of time and rest your feet when you can to help eliminate pressure and pain throughout the day.