Have you noticed that your favourite shoes no longer fit comfortably? Perhaps your feet seem wider than they used to be, your toes have started to curl, or you’ve developed a bunion that wasn’t there a few years ago.
If so, you’re not alone.
As we age, it’s perfectly normal for our feet to change shape. However, while some changes are a natural part of ageing, others can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
At Randell’s Footcare, we regularly help patients understand why their feet are changing and provide treatments to keep them active, comfortable, and pain-free.
Why Do Feet Change Shape as We Get Older?
Your feet are incredibly complex. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, all working together to support your body every day.
Throughout your lifetime, your feet absorb thousands of tonnes of force through walking, standing, running and everyday activities. Over time, these structures naturally begin to change.
The ligaments and soft tissues that support your arches gradually lose elasticity, muscles can weaken, and joints may become stiffer due to wear and tear. These changes can alter the way your feet function, causing them to become flatter, wider or develop deformities. For many people, these changes happen gradually over several years.
Common Changes You May Notice
Bunions
One of the most common changes we see is the development of a bunion. A bunion occurs when the big toe gradually drifts towards the smaller toes, creating a prominent bony bump on the inside of the foot. Symptoms may include:
- Pain around the big toe joint
- Difficulty wearing certain shoes
- Redness or swelling
- Hard skin developing over the bunion
- Reduced movement of the big toe
Although footwear doesn’t cause bunions, tight or narrow shoes can make symptoms significantly worse.
Hammer Toes
As muscles and tendons become imbalanced, the smaller toes can begin to bend, leading to hammer toes. Initially, these toes may still straighten when you move them. Over time, however, they can become permanently bent. Hammer toes often lead to:
- Corns on the tops of the toes
- Pain in footwear
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Pressure under the ball of the foot
Early intervention can often help prevent these deformities becoming more severe.
Fallen Arches and Flat Feet
Many people notice that their feet seem flatter than they used to be. This often occurs because the muscles and tendons supporting the arch become weaker over time, particularly the tibialis posterior tendon. As the arch lowers, you may notice:
- Your feet appear longer or wider
- Shoes no longer fit properly
- Increased foot fatigue
- Heel pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee or hip discomfort
Changes in foot posture can also affect the way forces travel through your lower limbs, contributing to pain elsewhere in the body.
Wider Feet
It’s common for feet to become wider with age. As ligaments stretch and the arches lower, the foot naturally spreads slightly when standing. Many people find they need a larger shoe size later in life, even if their height hasn’t changed.
Ignoring this change and continuing to wear shoes that are too narrow can increase the risk of bunions, corns, calluses and nerve irritation.
Arthritis
Age-related arthritis is another common reason feet change shape. As cartilage gradually wears away, joints can become:
- Painful
- Swollen
- Stiff
- Enlarged
Arthritis frequently affects the big toe joint but can occur anywhere in the foot. Left untreated, arthritis can alter walking patterns and place additional strain on surrounding joints.
What Causes These Changes?
Although ageing plays an important role, several other factors can accelerate changes in foot shape. These include:
- Family history
- Arthritis
- Previous injuries
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Reduced muscle strength
- Poor footwear choices
- Long periods spent standing
- Certain neurological conditions
In many cases, several of these factors work together.
Can You Prevent Your Feet Changing Shape?
While it’s impossible to completely prevent the natural ageing process, there are plenty of ways to maintain healthy feet and reduce the likelihood of developing painful problems.
Wear Supportive Footwear
Choose shoes that:
- Fit properly
- Provide adequate support
- Have a wide toe box
- Fasten securely
- Have good cushioning
Avoid regularly wearing footwear that is excessively narrow, unsupportive or worn out.
Stay Active
Keeping active helps maintain:
- Muscle strength
- Joint mobility
- Balance
- Circulation
Regular walking and appropriate exercise can help keep your feet functioning well.
Strengthen Your Feet
Simple foot and ankle exercises can help improve stability and maintain muscle strength. Your podiatrist or physiotherapist can recommend exercises tailored to your individual needs.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight places additional load through the feet, increasing pressure on joints, ligaments and soft tissues. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce stress on your feet.
Have Regular Foot Health Checks
Regular podiatry appointments allow changes to be identified early before they become more problematic. Early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
It’s worth arranging an assessment if you notice:
- Your feet have changed shape
- Shoes no longer fit comfortably
- Pain when walking
- Developing bunions
- Curled or hammer toes
- Increasing hard skin or corns
- Persistent heel or arch pain
- Swelling around joints
Many people assume these changes are simply part of getting older and must be accepted. In reality, many conditions can be managed successfully with the right advice and treatment.
How Randell’s Footcare Can Help
At Randell’s Footcare, our experienced podiatrists provide comprehensive foot health and biomechanical assessments to identify why your feet are changing and how those changes may be affecting your mobility. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Footwear advice
- Routine podiatry care
- Biomechanical assessment
- Custom-made Podoactiva orthotics
- Strengthening and rehabilitation exercises
- Corn and callus treatment
- Advice on managing arthritis and age-related foot changes
Our aim is not only to reduce pain but to help you remain active, independent and doing the things you enjoy.
If you’ve noticed changes in your feet, don’t wait until they become painful. Early assessment and treatment can often prevent small issues from developing into long-term problems.
Book an appointment with Randell’s Footcare today and let our experienced team help you stay comfortable, mobile and confident on your feet.
