About fifteen years ago, my friend Lisa Flinn commented, “When you go through menopause, I read that a layer of fat on you feet disappears. It makes walking more uncomfortable.”
We were talking on the phone when she gave me this bit of info.
And like a lot of things you hear on the phone, I didn’t quite believe it.
Menopause and feet?
What could feet have to do with menopause?
I was a Menopause Virgin.
I thought menopause was all about the end of your periods, hot flashes, and maybe feeling grumpy.
Oh Barbara.
How could you ever be so naive.
About two years ago, my feet started to feel odd, as if…
Yep.
As if a layer of padding was gone.
As if my bones were actually scraping the hardwood floors of this old house.
Here’s what one foot doctor has to say:
“Aging results in loss of fat below the bottom of the foot, even as unwanted fat is gained in most other parts of the body. This fat once provided cushioning, and we now find ourselves walking on the foot bones and skin.”
The doc goes on to recommend orthotics. If those don’t work, she suggests the injection of some fluffy substance into the actual foot. Ouch!
Perhaps I’ll get to that point, but for now, I’ve found a cheaper, easier solution.
I bought super duper extra thick tennis socks. It almost feels like you’re putting a baby bunny on your feet.
Spring’s here, and my feet are ready to roll.
So far, pretty good.
High quality walking shoes help too.
Anybody else have a similar foot story to tell?
Solutions?
P.S.: I don”t really know much about this brand. I just picked them out after googling “extra thick socks.” My uncle isn’t chairman of the board or anything along those lines.
But Thorlo, if you read this post, a Friend for the Ride giveaway would be oh so fluffy cool and fun.
Yet another menopause “adventure” (or should that be “challenge”?). I have tried similar socks I found at Penney’s and they are very comfortable.
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I’m wondering if the fluff wears down in the wash?
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My feet are awful– I think the pedicurists (the few times I get one) are all talking about me (they’re all Hispanic).. bunions, corns, odd shaped toes… ugh. All the biking doesn’t help. I swear by Danskos and will wear them with a dress… no heels for me anymore. Sadly– used to love them.
Not sure my feet issue is due to age.. but I do experience more numbness from cold, poor circulation. Not a fun topic!
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No heels for me either. Yes I have funny stuff on my feet and it makes me kind of nervous to get a pedicure too.
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This has probably become my biggest challenge! I use the thicker socks, heels are a thing of the past…worn rarely when I absolutely must, and my shoe shopping criteria has changed from searching for the “cute” or “sexy” to the “supportive” and “comfy.” 😛
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I’m thinking with so many boomers, shoe comfort paired with style is on the up and up. Let’s cross our toes that I’m right!
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I have heard this too and did not want to think about it! Less fat and drier heels? Menopause the gift that keeps on giving!
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I really did think it was the silliest thing when Lisa told me. Boy was I wrong!
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I love thick socks. I even wear them around the house instead of slippers, because they make standing on hardwood so much easier.
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I’ve gotten to the point that I won’t even stand on our floors for five minutes without something to help support my feet.
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Thank you for posting this! Now it all makes sense. I’ve been battling extremely sore feet as well as an undiagnosed Morton’s neuroma. None of this is good news for a woman who prefers to go barefoot.
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No, I’m afraid those days are over.
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Yes it seems to be true sadly, another downside.
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At least we have an excuse not to wear heels. They hurt my feet even in my twenties!
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Wow! I had no idea. After being on my feet so much on weekends, sometimes I actually find myself looking forward to going back to work and sitting all day. Maybe I’ll try some of those baby bunny-like socks.
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I’m horrible at standing around. Always look for a seat!
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You know, all this makes me rethink hormone replacement therapy! It helps and prevents so many things–too bad it also contributes to breast cancer.
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So that’s whats going on! I just thought my feet were getting thin and the rest would follow. Shit.
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I had 2 bunionectomy surgeries a few years back. After years of being on my feet I needed a tune up. We are in this together!
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