Three Common Foot Issues Women Face
In honor of National Women’s Health Month, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is taking a look at how women often face unique challenges when it comes to foot health. From wearing high heels to participating in various physical activities, women’s feet endure a lot of stress. Read on to explore three common foot conditions women experience.
Bunions
Bunions commonly affect women more often than men. They occur when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged and protrudes outward. High heels and narrow-toed shoes can exacerbate bunions by putting pressure on the toes.
Symptoms:
Solutions:
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box
- Use bunion pads or cushions
- Orthotic inserts for support
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially among active women. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Due to a greater flattening of the arch and an uneven distribution of pressure, women are often more prone to this condition.
Symptoms:
- Heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness in the foot
Solutions:
- Stretching exercises for the calf and foot
- Supportive shoes with good arch support
- Orthotic inserts
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections in severe cases
Morton’s Neuroma
This painful condition affects the ball of the foot, commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around a nerve thickens and causes a sharp, burning pain. Women who wear high heels or participate in activities that involve repetitive pressure on the forefoot are more susceptible to this condition.
Symptoms:
- Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
- Feeling like there’s a pebble in the shoe
Solutions:
- Wear shoes with a wider toe box and lower heels
- Orthotic inserts to relieve pressure on the nerve
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
Women’s foot health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, is the expert you need to see if you’re experiencing any of the above issues or have other foot-related concerns. Set up an appointment today to find relief!
