Feet Keep Growing!

My feet with bunions today

Perhaps this is not news to you, dear readers, but several parts of our bodies keep growing even after we are adults.  Recently, I learned this the hard way after visiting a podiatrist and want to share what I learned with you.

Over the course of the last two years I developed bunions. According to Runnersworld.com, "A bunion is an (often unsightly) protuberance at the base of your big toe. It forms when the metatarsophalangeal joint is stressed over a prolonged period of time ...". Bunions can be very painful and unattractive.

Bunions can be genetic, caused by abnormal bone structure, or result from wearing improperly fitting shoes.

Close up of foot with bunion problem, hallux valgus, digital composition of human toes with red inflammation from Shutterstock

Our bodies change over time and most people are aware of the obvious changes. Ever try to put on a pair of jeans from your college days? But our feet keep groing too.

Most women and even men experience weight gain as they get older. Covid really wreaked havoc on many people's routines causing unplanned weight gain.

Weight gain can occur during pregnancy, from overeating, and during or after menopause. What I didn't know was that as we get older and gain weight it causes our feet to expand and grow just like it does to our waistlines.

For me, going through menopause and being dormant during Covid resulted in a 15 pound weight increase. I knew my clothing was not fitting any more but never suspected the reason why the bunion on my left foot popped up was because of the weight as well.

In doing a little further research on bunions and foot growth I learned several additional things. As we get older, our ligaments and tendons in the arch of our feet start to wear out. This leads to the arch falling and the feet spreading out.

The American Geriatrics Society reports that 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 experience foot pain. Bunions are very common in older people. So, what should you do as you age? I have some suggestions based on the research I did.

1. Make sure to have your feet measured by a reputable shoe store starting in your 50's at least every few years. If you have gained more than 10 pounds check your foot size more frequently.

2. Make an annual appointment with a podiatrist for a foot health check. Your insurance will pay for this and it may save you from surgery and pain later on.

3. Never wear improperly fitting shoes - ever! Even young adults can have bunions if you are jamming your feet into shoes that don't fit.

4. If your feet do expand don't be sad. Treat yourself to a good pair of exercise shoes, a good pair of dress shoes and a good pair of casual shoes.

   
   

To recap, remember to get your feet measured once a year and visit a podiatrist every couple years after turning 50 to keep track of your foot health. I hope that this information saves you from pain and frustration. And remember to spread the word - feet keep growing! I tell everyone I meet now about this and many people are completely surprised.

Have a great week!