Skip to content.
California Podiatric Medical Association
Navigation
Home
Membership

Older Feet Need Special Attention

Older Feet Need Special Attention

Older Feet Need Special Attention

As people age, some parts of the anatomy begin to slightly shrink.
This is not the case with the foot, which actually flattens and enlarges.
Doctors speculate that over the age of 40, some people's shoe size can increase 1/2 size every 1Oyears. With time, tissues weaken and muscle mass lessens.
Looser tendons and ligaments create a definitive need for higher quality footwear. Things people never think about in their 20's, 30's or 40's, like gait and balance are paramount to a healthy lifestyle as they get into their 50's, 60's and 70's.
Older people with weaker, less flexible ankles, bunion issues or reduced sensation on the bottoms of their feet, are more likely to have balance problems and fall. One VA Hospital study showed only 25% of the patients admitted were wearing the right size shoe.
 If a shoe is too small it may cause friction, which leads to blisters and other complications. When a shoe is too large, it doesn't provide the requisite support for the foot and ankle. ''Walking is so important to many of my patients, but especially with senior citizens, " says Long Beach Podiatrist Dr. Victoria Foley: "I want my patients moving.  It starts with a simple thing like good shoes. The right size shoes, properly fitted with good support and cushioning are important.  When you consider how many hours a day you wear shoes, an extra 15-20 minutes getting the correct fit doesn’t seem so bad;' Dr. Foley adds.
 
(Source: Press Telegram)