5 Common Foot Problems Women Face
As Women’s Health Awareness Month comes to a close, there are still many factors that women should consider when caring for their feet. While healthy feet are the foundation for an active and pain-free life no matter who you are, there are foot issues that women are specifically prone to. We at Podiatry Care, P.C., and the Heel Pain Center are here to inform you of those risks, and potentially help you treat any issues you may be experiencing.
Foot Issues Women Are Prone To
Footwear choices: High heels and pointy shoes can cause hammertoes, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and other painful conditions.
Pregnancy: Foremost, being pregnant can permanently alter your foot structure, which can lead to flat arches and other disadvantageous changes. Also, pregnancy hormones can loosen ligaments, leading to discomfort and swelling. This swelling usually occurs around the ankles and feet, which could indicate high blood pressure or other underlying conditions.
Neuroma: A painful inflammation of nerves around the ball of your feet, neuroma often bothers women due to wearing high heels and other uncomfortable shoe choices.
Bunions: Another complication common in women, bunions are also caused by years of wearing high heels and forcing the toes into awkwardly tight spaces.
Structural differences: Whereas men have wide and less flexible feet, women tend to have shorter strides and narrower foot structure. This leads to pain around the outside of the foot, which often causes calluses.
From high heels to pregnancy, women should be cautious of the short and long-term effects their bodies have on their feet. That’s why it’s important to schedule periodic checkups with your podiatrist. With an understanding of how your feet differ from men and the steps you can take to prevent and treat these painful conditions, you can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.