FOOTWEAR TRICKS TO RE-BALANCE AGING STEPS
AS WE GROW OLDER, OUR BODIES GO THROUGH CHANGES THAT CAN AFFECT OUR BALANCE AND INCREASE THE RISK OF FALLS. IN THIS BLOG, WE WILL DESCRIBE HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT PAIR OF SHOES.
As we grow older, our bodies go through changes that can affect our balance and increase the risk of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injuries in older people. While there are various factors that contribute to falling, footwear plays a significant role.
Selecting the right pair of shoes is crucial in maintaining balance and preventing falls. Here are some tips to keep in mind while shopping for footwear:
- Check the heel of the shoe: You want the heel area (counter) to be stiff and not easily collapsible. Press on both sides of the heel area to ensure a stiff heel. This controls your heel from rolling in (pronating) or rolling out (supinating).
- Bend the shoe: When bending the shoe, you want to make sure that the shoe does not bend too much in the midsole or the toe box area. If it’s too flexible at the toes, this can exacerbate big toe joint or ball of foot pain in cases of bunion pain, sesamoid it is, Morton’s neuroma, or metatarsalgia.
- Twist the shoe: When you twist the shoe as if you are wringing out a wet cloth, the shoe should not twist in the middle. If it does, then it will lack adequate arch support and allow for your foot to roll in or pronate.
When it comes to buying shoes, comfort should always be a top priority. After all, you’ll be spending several hours on your feet while wearing them. If the shoe doesn’t fit properly or causes discomfort, it’s better not to buy it at all. Don’t try to convince yourself that the shoe will “break in” over time because if it doesn’t feel comfortable initially, chances are it won’t get any better with time.
If you have specific foot issues such as pronation (when your foot rolls inward) or supination (when your foot rolls outward), then it’s important to consult with a podiatrist before purchasing new footwear. They can advise you on which types of shoes will provide the necessary support and cushioning for your unique needs.
In some cases, orthotics may also be necessary for optimal foot health and comfort. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that can help alleviate a variety of foot and leg problems. They can be prescribed by a podiatrist to address issues such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and even knee, hip, and back pain. The importance of orthotics lies in their ability to provide support and cushioning for your feet, helping to reduce discomfort and improve foot stability and overall body alignment. health
When you are shopping for shoes, bring your orthotics to ensure a good fit. Remove the shoe liner and insert your orthotic, loosen the laces to adjust to both your foot and the orthotic. If it doesn’t fit, likely the shoe is not adequate for your foot type and orthotics.
Often times, patients think that orthotics alone will address their issues or a supportive shoe alone is enough, but my philosophy is if you need orthotics, they provide 50% of the alignment correction and the shoes provides the other 50%, so it’s important that you make the right selection and I provide my patients with a list of shoes that will work in conjunction with their orthotics, whether it be a neutral shoe, stability control shoe, or maximum shock absorption.
