Pain on the bottoms of you feet as you age? Could happen!
And what can you do to have happy feet again?
Feet do change as you age. Some people notice that the fat pads on the bottoms of their feet aren’t there anymore. However, other people do NOT lose their fat pads.
Let’s talk about age-related changes and I’ll share my thoughts.
Me:
Yes, the fat padding on the bottom of the foot does flatten and shift sideways. That can make it feel like you’re walking on just bones. However, I have a theory:
My theory:
My suspicion is that the more you walk barefoot (or with socks on) and without shoes, the tougher the tissues will become on the bottoms of your feet. I’m not talking calluses.
Why do I think this?
1. The older people I see who walk barefoot–and who love to walk barefoot–have kept their padding on the soles of their feet.
2. In my own case, as I began walking and standing without shoes more, my own padding seemed to become thicker, too. I have less discomfort now. It doesn’t feel as though my bones make contact with the floor anymore.
3. If you’re not wearing “protection” (shoes) around your feet but are walking barefoot, perhaps nature will take its course and regenerate your fat pads. Bodies do heal all the time.
Thoughts on arch supports and insoles.
A good, sturdy orthotic or arch support that truly supports your arch, either inserted into your shoe or built into a sandal or shoe, will help position your foot in the correct position. That takes pressure off the arch.
I have seen advertisements for pressure-sensitive foam insoles. While they may feel comfy, they may also be simply supporting your dysfunction. On the other hand, they may be exactly what you need.
You see, my goal is to help you have happy feet. However, everyone’s feet are different. I don’t know your age or situation. But, I want to help your feet feel better naturally.
Sometimes, I know that for one reason or another–damage, surgery, growths on your bones–my suggestions just aren’t going to cut it for you.
So here’s another option:
You can help your feet feel better and have less pain if you can find a store with lots of good options for arch supports and foot padding. There are diabetic socks which stay in place but are not too tight and all kinds of shoes.
Because I have “flat feet” it’s hard to wear sandals without messing up my posture but I found a sandal with a sturdy, built-in arch support called Orthaheel (that’s the brand) that I’m VERY happy with. Expensive and the brand name may change but the support is great!
2021 update: Over the years, I’ve done a LOT of movement to correct my flat feet and guess what? I have arches now. 🙂 I still wear an arch support on one foot because those bones are most used to being flat. But when I make wet foot prints, standing up, I have arches! 🙂
I just brought up two more things:
Flat Feet and Posture. Guess I’ll have to write some more articles for you so you can have foot pain relief!
