It’s Women’s Health Month: How to Care for Women’s Feet
Women need to pay special attention to their feet to avoid unnecessary problems, particularly those caused by hosiery and improper footwear. Because this is Women’s Health Month, in today’s post, Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, MD, shares tips for caring for women’s feet.
1. Don’t abuse high heels. Podiatrists find high heels to be orthopedically and biomechanically unsafe. They can add to back and knee problems, shortened calf muscles, an unnatural gait, and disabling injuries in falls. In time, they can cause enough changes in the feet to damage their proper function.
2. Try to avoid hosiery. Women who wear nylon hosiery all the time are welcoming foot problems. Nylon doesn’t breathe, and the heat it produces and traps can cause excessive perspiration. A damp, warm area is a perfect place for fungal infections to develop, such as athlete’s foot.
3. Choose the correct footwear. The key is wearing the right shoe for the activity you’re engaging in. Several companies have designed footwear for particular athletic activities, specifically for women. It’s a good idea to shop for shoes in the afternoon because our feet tend to increase in size later in the day.
4. If you’re pregnant, pay attention to your feet. Pregnant women must properly care for their feet to prevent discomfort and pain. Because the body undergoes changes that alter its weight-bearing stance, women should wear shoes with broad heels that absorb shock and provide adequate support.
5. Be aware of changes as you age. As we age, the fat pads on the bottom of the feet begin to break down. This problem can be improved by wearing well-constructed, properly fitted shoes with a soft, flexible upper that provides cushioning. It’s also important to choose leather shoes that can “breathe” to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
Women’s Foot Conditions
Whether the causes are high heels, poorly fitting shoes, congenital problems, or other maltreatment, women are at risk for several foot problems (most of which can also occur in men), including:
· Achilles Tendonitis
· Bunions
· Hammertoe
· Metatarsalgia
· Neuromas
· Pump Bump (Haglund’s Deformity).
If you are experiencing any issues with your feet, Women’s Health Month is a great time to address them. Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to schedule your next appointment.