If The Shoe Fits…
Foot pain affects over 80% of seniors. Pain with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders. These more serious conditions need to be properly evaluated by a physician and treated medically. But, a study in 2005 found that a lot of older adults suffered from pressure caused by shoes that don’t fit properly. Poorly fitting shoes can put pressure on bony prominences, corns and calluses that can cause foot pain and reduce activity levels. This study showed that most people wear shoes that are too narrow for their feet. Women also tend to wear shoes that are too short. Did you know that people over the age of 40 can gain half a shoe size every 10 years? Over time tissues weaken, muscle mass declines, ligaments become less resilient and our bodies lose that natural spring and bounce. The result- our feet widen, the arch lowers and the foot becomes a little longer. So the next time you buy shoes make sure you get properly measured. You may find out you are wearing the wrong size and have to start looking for wider widths. A good pair of shoes may relieve some of your foot pain and allow you to increase your level of fitness.
These are a few helpful hints when buying shoes:
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Try shoes on later in the day, feet may swell as the day wears on
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Some of us have one foot longer than the other, so fit the longest foot
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Make sure you have enough depth in the front of the shoe to wiggle your toes
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You need at least 1/2 inch at the end of your longest toe in the length of the shoe when standing up
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Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest part of the shoe
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Consider a lace up shoe, they conform better to the size of your foot
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For better support look for a shoe with arch support, a firm heel counter and stiff midsole
Filed under: Foot & Ankle, Sports & Injuries