As a part of your daily life, your feet endure a lot of wear and tear. It is estimated that you will walk about 75,000 miles by the age of 50. Due to all these miles, chances are you will encounter several foot problems throughout your lifespan. The risk is higher in women due to the structural differences with men, pregnancy, lifestyle aspects, occupation, etc.
Read along for some of the most common foot problems for women, their causes and when to seek professional help.
What Makes Women More Prone to Foot Problems Than Men?
Structural Differences: Women have more lax/loose ligaments, a wider forefoot, shorter arch length, shorter bones (metatarsals), and greater plantar flexion.
Occupation: Women may hold jobs that mandate standing for longer periods such as teaching, nursing, hairdressing, housekeeping, etc.
Pregnancy: The weight gain and hormonal imbalance associated with pregnancy can cause swelling (edema), increase in foot size, balance issues, etc., all of which can cause foot discomfort and pain. There is also an increased risk of twisting one’s ankle as a result of a change in the centre of gravity during pregnancy.
Lifestyle: Foot problems are mostly determined by the type of shoes you wear. Bunions, blisters, hammertoes, and neuromas are common in women who wear high-heels (>2 inches) or tight-fitting shoes. Being overweight can also trigger plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Medical Conditions: Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis that weaken the bone are more common in women as compared to men. Other conditions that can lead to foot pain are ageing (footpad atrophy), diabetes, vascular, and heart disease.
Five Common Foot Conditions Affecting Women
1) Bunion
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a protrusion of the bone or tissue around a joint.
Often characterized by a deformity of the ball of the foot, affecting the 1st metatarsal and the great (big) toe. Sometimes it can affect the base of the little toe as well.
As a result of repetitive stress over time due to tight or ill-fitting shoes and high-heels that force the feet into unnatural shapes, changing the angle of the bones gradually over the years produces the characteristic lump, bunion.
Although both men and women can suffer from bunions, the shoes typically worn by women make the deformity get progressively worse.
Commonly seen among family members as they can also be caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the feet.
2) Morton’s Neuroma
Refers to a thickening of the nerve tissue in the ball of the foot caused by compression and chronic irritation.
Typically affects the forefoot (between 3rd and 4th or 2nd and 3rd toes).
Symptoms include numbness, and a tingling and burning sensation.
High heels with a tapered or narrow toe-box are the culprits for Morton's neuromas.
Treatment begins with conservative measures - custom-made shoe inserts or a splint to straighten out the big toe, bunion pads, and the application of ice to reduce inflammation.
If it does not subside, your podiatrist may recommend a surgical correction.
3) Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spur)
Although faulty foot structure is the most common cause of heel pain/ plantar fasciitis, in women, it may result from wearing non-supportive footwear, obesity, and having a high arch.
It is very common in women who participate in repetitive heel-stressing activities such as running.
Symptoms include - heel pain that is usually worse in the morning (when getting out of the bed) and gets even worse with activity.
At-home management involves - resting and icing of the foot to reduce inflammation, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to help with pain management and physiotherapy. Wearing supportive footwear may also help.
Sometimes your doctor may recommend steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation and custom-made orthotics that can provide extra support to your heels.
4) Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments (tough bands of tissues that connect two bones) in the ankle.
It is caused due to awkward foot placements (on irregular or slippery surfaces), weak muscles, loose ligaments, and improper footwear (shoes with pointed heels).
Symptoms include swelling, pain, and bruising.
The best cure is the good old strategy of RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
Your podiatrist or foot specialist may recommend physiotherapy, walking cast (in moderate ankle sprains) and surgery (in severe cases) along with pain medications.
5) Fallen Arch
The shape of your feet has a huge impact on your health and it reflects in your posture as well. The natural shape demands an arch under your feet or a plantar bottom between the heel and ball of your feet.
While some people are naturally born with flat feet, others develop a condition referred to as “fallen arch”, an injury to the tendon that connects your calf muscle to the inside of your foot.
The injury can occur as a result of overuse or sports.
Symptoms include leg cramps, pain in the arch, foot, ankle or muscle, and toe-drift.
Treatment includes pain medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy to strengthen the tendons, improve flexibility and mobility.
Supportive devices such as orthotics, foot braces, and custom-made shoes may be used.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Considering your feet are the foundation of the body, they need regular care and maintenance. See your doctor if your foot condition is interfering with your daily life or if you are experiencing no relief from the home-based treatment. A few alarming symptoms to keep an eye out for are persistent pain, swelling, bruising, and change in posture.
“Your Feet Never Takes a Day Off, so Take Care of Them”
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.