The Falling Arch and Aging
Our feet change throughout life due to the stressors placed on them and the natural process of aging. When we are born, feet are fleshy, flat, and soft-boned until we become ready to stand. Once we begin to wobble, walk, then run, healthy feet will strengthen, and an arch will form. It takes another twenty or so years before the bones fully harden. Depending on genetics and individual differences, the arch height and foot shape will vary. Fast forward to your senior self, and surprise! You go to get your feet measured, and they are longer than before. But it is not because of growth anymore. Your arch may be falling.
As people age, the tendons and ligaments in the feet lose elasticity and the ability to bounce back as they could in younger years. Hence, the arch begins to flatten, which lengthens the foot. Sometimes this happens incrementally and unnoticeably over time. There is no pain per se, but there may be a change in shoe size. Other times, the collapse is causing discomfort that may have to be mitigated with either personalized orthotics made by a professional or supportive insoles that generally provide a deeper heel cup and a more substantial arch profile.
Besides age, falling arches can be the result of injury to ligaments or bones. Inflammation or damage to the posterior tibial tendon, which connects from the lower leg, around the ankle, to the middle of the arch can also cause pain depending on the stressors. A trip to the doctor may be warranted to discuss treatment options which can be a combination of simple stretching, icing and physical therapy. For more severe injuries, comprehensive alternatives range from a fitting with orthotics to invasive surgeries and injected medications.
Another foot condition that presents similarly to falling arches is plantar fasciitis, which feels painful close to the heel where the fascia attaches to the bone. It is not the same, however. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation arising from tiny micro-tears in the fascia. People suffering from this injury notice that it is worse first thing in the morning when getting up to stand and will dissipate slightly once they put on shoes and begin moving around. This condition takes a long time to heal with the help of supportive footwear and consistent home physiotherapy. A falling arch, in comparison, is structural and so the change can be managed, not restored, to its previous height. Plantar fasciitis may manifest in response to a fallen arch, among other reasons.
High impact activities, substantial weight gain, or hours of standing in shoes lacking adequate support are sure to aggravate the compromised arch even more. Getting a proper shoe fitting is very important to match your unique feet with the best option. The 3D foot scanner at New Balance Victoria creates a composite image of both feet, showing their differences in length, arch height, instep, and width. The fit expert can use this information to narrow down the possibilities. If you opt to add an insole to the shoe, be sure to try it on in the store. New Balance Victoria carries a line of Superfeet, which offer various arch profiles, cushioning, and heel cup support so the process of choosing is a bit more in depth than just taking a wild guess. Superfeet insoles further categorize options into high impact or everyday walking, which will vary in responsiveness, weight, and profile.
Over the years, our feet do take a beating so expect that at some point there will be issues that force you to pay attention to your foot health for the first time. The best path forward is to attend to this crucial part of our bodies before a problem worsens by establishing foot care rituals and practices that help to manage these changes.