I know your body can change as you age. Believe it or not, your ears get a little longer (the ear lobe actually stretches and dangles more) and you actually can lose height, that is get a little shorter because of changes in the height of your intravertrebral discs in your spine (they lose water content and shrink). Individuals with osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, can actually get a collapse (gradual or sudden) of their vertebrae, the building blocks of your spine, adding to the loss of stature.
Once you are an adult, and fully grown, you will not gain height (unfortunately), but your feet can actually change size. The bones themselves do not actually elongate or grow in length. The foot itself can, however, become longer and wider. This is not just an optical illusion but happens because of certain structural changes that occur to the ligaments and muscles of the foot with age.
As the inter-metatarsal ligaments weaken or relax, the forefoot area (region of the ball of the foot) will splay or widen. Also, with age (or even in some predisposed younger individuals), the arch of the foot can collapse or lengthen resulting in both a longer and wider foot. A bunion can also form, adding an unwanted addition on the inner side of the foot at the base of the big toe.
Scientific studies have shown that a significant percentage of individuals (especially women) are actually wearing the wrong size shoe -- and it is usually too tight, sometimes a whole size or two. This can are often result in a variety of orthopedic problems for your feet, including blisters, calluses, corns and bunions, most of which are preventable when your shoes or sneakers fit properly.
In my orthopaedic surgery practice, I have even occasionally resorted to actually taking an X-ray of my patient's foot in their poorly fitting, too tight shoe to show them first hand how cramped and twisted their foot actually is. It's fun to watch their face as they are immediately convinced of their problem. Also, teenagers are notorious for their willingness to buy the wrong size (too big or too small) for the sake of style, when their correct size is out of stock at the trendy shoe store.
The key point here is to be aware of the changes or metamorphosis that your foot can go through in life, especially when you enter the shoe store.
- Get measured every time, both length and width, by a knowledgeable salesperson. Remember that your foot may also enlarge a little in the warm summer months, and also after a long day on your feet.
- Be ready to spend some time in the store walking about to assure proper fit and comfort.
- Also, each shoe or brand may have differences in what they call a certain size. I wear a half size larger in most Nike's than in other brands.
- I also recommend wearing your shoes at home (not outside) for a day or two to make sure that there aren't any "hotspots" or areas of discomfort. Most quality shoe stores and online outlets will allow you to return shoes that have not been worn outside. Ditto for running sneakers and athletic shoewear. The running shoe store in my area actually has a treadmill in the store and they allow you to take a jog to make sure that you're comfortable before you make your purchase.
- If you wear special inserts or orthotics, bring them with you when you purchase new shoes -- they often move you up a half size.
You can learn more about keeping your feet healthy and happy through the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Have you noticed a change in the size or shape of your feet lately? Have your toes twisted or angled in relation to each other? Have you made the necessary adjustments to stay comfortable?
