Did you know women are 4 times more likely to have a foot problem than men? Let’s talk about it! For Women’s Health Awareness Month, we’d like to focus on some of the most common issues women may face regarding their feet and ankles.

The Problem With High Heels

High heels are a common choice for women. Unfortunately, the look and height of heels come with some damaging effects on feet. High heels can contribute to back problems, toe deformities, shortened calf muscles, and a host of other problems. Luckily, you can do a few things to minimize these issues! First, limiting the time spent in high heels is a good idea. More than three hours can cause unnecessary strain and stress. If you wear high heels, ensure the heel isn’t higher than two inches. Choosing a pair that has wide heels may help.

 

5 Common Female Foot Conditions

  1. Achilles Tendinitis – inflammation of the Achilles tendon, aka the link between the calf muscle and heel bone. Those who wear high heels regularly typically have shortened tendons.
  2. Bunions – misaligned big toe joints that become swollen and tender. Bunions tend to run in families, but wearing shoes with too narrow of a toe box can aggravate it.
  3. Hammertoe – a deformity of the toe, where it becomes bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Although the condition usually stems from muscle imbalance, it’s often aggravated by ill-fitting shoes, socks, or hosiery that cramp the toes.
  4. Plantar Fasciitis – Inflammation of the long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot. This condition is sometimes caused by shoes that cramp the feet, especially in the arch area.
  5. Pump Bump (Haglund’s Deformity) – Bone enlargement at the back of the heel bone, in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. It has the nickname “pump bump” because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the enlargement when walking.

If you’re suffering from any of the above conditions, call us today! We’re here to help.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Kurt Rode, DPM can treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.