What’s Good For My Sole?

Why do so many of us in our golden years have foot issues?  Just like the rest of our body, the foot goes through changes as we age.  Muscle and tendon weakening occurs, arches can fall or flatten and arthritis may set in.  For some, when health issues arise elsewhere in our body, nerve and circulation issues in the foot are a byproduct (diabetes for example).  Our feet have literally taken years of abuse. Improper footwear such as flipflops, high heels or cheaply made wearing poorly designed shoes throughout our life are all contributors.    

As we age our natural ability to balance also declines.  Foot pain and balance issues can cause falls, or at minimum reduce our mobility.  Having a properly fitted and designed shoe will help to stabilize us improving some of the mobility issues we may be facing.  In addition, arthritic pain may be reduced, tendons will be better supported, and overall foot / ankle alignment can be improved.   BUT up until recent years orthopedic shoes lacked style, ruining any fashionable outfit with their laces and black clunky designs.

 

Today you can find orthotic insoles, easily inserted into your shoes, to help give the support you need.  It is best to see a Podiatrist for proper fitting, but over the counter options are readily available as well.  Keep in mind inserting an orthotic insole into a poorly designed shoe isn’t the answer to every foot problem.  Most orthotic insert won’t fit into your fancy spiked heels or cute flat flipflops, but to be fair, those styles are what got you to this painful point.  It might be time to retire them.

An orthopedic shoe is designed to give you the structural support needed.  You can find stylish models that appear to be nothing more than a running shoe or cute clog to the naked eye, but have deeper heel cups for better stabilization, orthotic foot beds and cushioned bases.  It may take a little time to get used to the new shoe structure.  But in time, as your body adjusts, you will certainly feel the benefits.

Don’t forget your slippers.  Walking around the house barefoot, or in thin soled fuzzy slippers isn’t going to help your foot pain.  I love my pink fuzzy slippers by KUAILU.  I’ve always been a pink fuzzy slipper girl and now have a pair with a nice gentle arch support, is super comfy, and doesn’t interfere in my Zsa-Zsa vibe!

RESOURCES

• Protalus Orthotics does offer inserts for higher heeled shoes as well as sandals with orthopedic footbeds. 
• Ortho Comfort running shoe styles with a wide toe box.  These shoes might be helpful for those with neuropathy.
• ORTHOFEET  a variety of styles, from boots to slippers.  My personal favorite is the IRMA Clog