Oh, My Aching Feet

Our feet carry us everywhere

According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, most people take approximately 10,000 steps a day. That’s more than 3 million steps every year. Depending on how forceful our stride is, our foot bears two to three times the impact of our body weight with every step. It’s no wonder that every once in a while, our feet feel tired.

How do we know if the aches we feel are a temporary and normal part of the aging process—or something more serious?

Normal changes in foot health

Over time, we may experience the following changes in our feet as a normal part of the aging process:

• Our feet become wider and longer.
• Our feet may flatten a bit as our arches settle over time.
• The fat pad on the bottom of our heel loses some of its padding, and we may lose a bit of the spring in our step as a result.
• Our foot and ankle joints may lose some range of motion and become stiffer.
• As we lose padding and range of motion, we may notice that we have a bit more trouble with balance when we walk.

When to reconsider footwear choices

Other changes in our feet are not inevitable, and may be corrected. When we spend too much time in shoes with more fashion sense than sensible fit, we can develop abnormal foot conditions that start to peak as we reach our 40s, 50s, and 60s. If we notice any of the following, it may be time to rethink our footwear choices. Many of these problems can be prevented or halted if we start wearing shoes that are kinder to our feet:

• The formation of a large bump on our big toe, called a bunion.
• The formation of a bump on the smallest toe, known as a bunionette.
• The “hammering” or curling of the toes.
• A more severe curling of our toes, called “clawing” of the toes.
• The formation of calluses or corns, caused by high pressure over the bony areas of our feet.
• The development of arthritis in our foot and ankle joints.

Of course, although these lists are meant to be helpful, they are not a substitute for a medical examination and evaluation. If you experience persistent foot pain over several days, talk to your doctor. We’ll all enjoy life’s journey more if we are walking through it on healthy, happy feet.

Summit Orthopedics offers personalized foot and ankle expertise

Our fellowship-trained foot and ankle physicians understand that your mobility depends on the health of your feet and ankles. If you have suffered an injury or are experiencing symptoms that make walking painful, our team of foot and ankle specialists can help with conservative treatment, seasoned surgical teams, and expert rehabilitation support. Summit Orthopedics specialists have the expertise to evaluate your discomfort and develop a plan to quickly and safely get you back on your feet and on your way.

Start your journey to optimal foot health. Find your foot and ankle expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

More resources for you

• What Our Footprint Reveals About Our Foot Health
• Your Feet Reflect Your Health
• Are Flip Flops Dangerous For Your Feet?
• Could That Ache In Your Big Toe Be Gout?
• A Simple Test For Foot Health
• Blisters: Avoid Them Or Treat Them Safely

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