A new study suggests that elderly patients who suffer from disabling foot pain should opt for shoes with a little extra depth.
A study conducted by researchers at the Lower Extremity and Gait Studies Program at the School of Allied Health at La Trobe University found that seniors with foot pain saw significant improvement after switching to custom-fitted extra-depth shoes.
Hylton B. Menz, lead author of the study, said these custom footwear options are usually recommended for seniors with diabetes, but they can be beneficial for anyone with pre-existing foot conditions because the foot undergoes structural changes as we age.
“With advancing age, there is a general tendency for the foot to exhibit increased soft tissue stiffness, decreased range of motion, decreased strength, and a more pronated posture, and to function in a more pronated position with reduced range of motion and less efficient propulsion when walking,” Menz said.
Menz added that many seniors don’t account for the structural changes when picking out a new pair of shoes.
Shoe Study
For their study, Menz and associates split 120 men and women over the age of 65 with disabling foot pain into two different groups. One group was custom-fitted for extra depth shoes, while the other group received their custom shoes at the conclusion of the study. Both groups received regular podiatry care throughout the study.
At the conclusion of four months, seniors in the extra-depth shoe group were much more likely to report that their foot pain had moderately or markedly improved. The custom shoe group also developed fewer corns, calluses and lesions than the control group. Researchers noted that corn and callus treatment make up a large portion of a podiatrist’s regular workload.
The follow up survey also revealed that the custom shoe group said foot function had significantly improved compared to the control group. Menz said it’s clear that many foot problems that plague seniors are being caused or exacerbated by poor footwear.
“Many older people wear ill-fitting shoes, and we know that ill-fitting shoes are associated with foot problems,” Menz said. “It is also important that older people with foot pain consult a podiatrist, particularly if they have diabetes or changing footwear does not alleviate symptoms.”
Dr. Silverman comments
The key here is that these seniors received custom foot care from a professional. Simply going out and buying a deeper shoe isn’t going to fix your problem without professional consultation. As the author concluded, developing a plan with your doctor or podiatrist is important, especially as we get older.
Related source: Reuters