Gait changes: Arthritis, neuropathy, and other conditions can change your gait, slowing your overall walking speed and sometimes resulting in a limp.You may experience the long-term effects of wearing shoes with pointed toes and elevated heels. Worsening foot conditions: Bunions, hammertoes, and other foot conditions can develop or worsen as you age.Skin changes: Dry skin as you age can lead to calluses, and you may get cracked skin on your heels.
You may notice discomfort and fatigue more and more as this natural padding is lost. Thinning natural cushioning: You also lose the fat pad that cushions the bottom of your foot.If you wear compression socks, you need to ensure your footwear can accommodate them without being too tight. You may need a larger pair of shoes for the days when you have more swelling. Foot swelling: You may experience foot and ankle swelling due to circulation problems or the effects of medication and health conditions.It is normal to see your shoe size increase by a half size or more. Foot widening and lengthening: It is normal for your feet to become wider, longer, and flatter as the ligaments and tendons lose strength and elasticity.
