5 Common Foot Problems Affecting Women
… & How To Treat Them
Problems with the feet can affect anyone, no matter their gender, but there are some common foot problems that are more likely to affect women rather than men.
In some cases the reason is simply genetic but often it can be caused by the kinds of shoes commonly worn.
You may love your shoes, but some shoes just don’t love your feet.
Here are 5 common foot problems affecting women and how to treat them.
Bunions
These unsightly protrusions on your feet are one of the most uncomfortable foot problems to experience. Many women develop bunions for a variety of different reasons and sometimes they simply aren’t preventable.
Once your feet have developed bunions, there is little in the way of treatment besides surgery. There are some things you can do to manage the pain they cause, but they will not go away once formed, unless surgically removed.
Hammer Toes
Hammer toes are fairly common in women. It’s a deformity in the three middle toes where the toes appear to be raised or bent instead of flat and straight.
Hammer toes can be genetic, due to arthritis, or form as a result of poorly fitting shoes. While the first two causes are not preventable, the third is. Always wear well-fitted, supportive shoes to keep your feet healthy. Other treatment could include hammer toe pads, gentle massage to alleviate pain and ice packs to reduce swelling.
Corns & Calluses
Corns and calluses can be caused by ill-fitting shoes or other foot problems like hammer toes. Corns form on the sides or top of toes, whereas calluses form on the soles of your feet.
Treatments can include over the counter options like medicated pads which will help relieve pressure and essentially dissolve the callus or corn using chemicals. Particularly stubborn ones may need a stronger, professional treatment from a qualified podiatrist.
Planter Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis presents as a pain under the heel or in the foot arch, either first thing in the morning when you get up or after a period of rest. It’s often seen in pregnant women as weight gain and swollen feet can cause ligaments to be more relaxed than usual.
Treatment can include anti-inflammatories, gentle stretching and light exercise. It is a condition that needs individual treatment so consult a podiatrist before jumping into any particular course of treatment.
Morton’s Neuroma
A thickening of the nerve tissue in the foot, between the 3rd and 4th toes, Morton’s neuroma is another common foot problem affecting women particularly. One of the most common causes of this foot condition is wearing shoes with a tapered toe. Flat shoes can cause this, but high heel shoes that force your toes into a small toe box area are worse.
Treatments could include insoles, either over the counter or custom orthotics, a review by a podiatrist of activity types undertaken and kinds of shoes worn, or even medication to treat the inflammation.
As always, seek medical advice from a professional if you have any concerns about your feet. Everyone is different and what works for one person, may not work for the next.
A qualified podiatrist is a good place to start when it comes to treating problems with the feet as they have a specialised knowledge and will be best placed to find the right solution and treatment plan for you.
About the author
Rudo Makuyana
Rudo Makuyana is one of the podiatrists at The Foot Hub in Sydney. Rudo is passionate about foot health and treating patients holistically – not just the individual problem. Originally from Zimbabwe, she completed her Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia (School of Surgery) in 2011. She now practices in her foot clinic in Alexandria, Sydney and also volunteers and advocates for the rights of the world’s poor.
