There are many reasons why women are prone to foot problems. Weak arches and overpronation, where the foot rolls inward when walking, can lead to the development of a range of foot problems. Another reason why you may be prone to foot problems is due to footwear such as open-toed pumps, high heels, and shoes with a narrow toe box. These shoes are bad for foot health, as they keep the body out of proper alignment, which eventually leads to a range of foot and ankle issues.
Let’s talk about 10 of the most common foot problems that take women to podiatry clinics across the US.
- Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It is the most common cause of heel pain and is usually brought on by wearing unsupportive footwear, poor foot mechanics, being overweight, and occupations that keep you on your feet.
- Pregnancy feet refers to changes in the feet while a woman is pregnant. Your body retains more fluid during pregnancy, especially in your lower extremities, which can cause pain and discomfort. Being pregnant also shifts your body’s center of gravity, which can affect your balance.
- Corns and calluses are hard patches of dead skin cells that usually form over the toes and the ball of the foot due to friction caused by uncomfortable shoes, such as those with a hard and narrow toe box.
- Blisters are fluid-filled pockets of skin that form due to friction. Tight, ill-fitting, or very uncomfortable shoes that are made from mesh and other coarse fabrics and textiles can cause blisters.
- Ingrown toenails are nails that grow into the surrounding skin. Cutting toenails too short or in a curved fashion instead of straight across can cause painful ingrown nails.
- Toenail fungus refers to an infection under a toenail. Going to an unhygienic nail salon can lead to a fungal infection of the nail, caused by dermatophytes, which are a type of mold. The problem may not appear for months before you notice the nail starting to thicken, turning yellow, and breaking.
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin in between the toes. Women usually pick up an athlete’s foot infection from public showers and poolside, or from the feet getting sweaty while being confined in tight-fitting shoes.
- Plantar warts are small, hard bumps that grow on the soles of the foot due to an HPV infection. The growths can cause pain when walking, eventually causing muscle or joint pain.
- Bunions usually form as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes that crowd your toes together. High heels and shoes with a pointy toe are the usual culprits of bunions in women.
- Hammertoe usually forms as a result of a muscle, tendon, and ligament imbalance that cause the toes to curl, often due to the type of shoe you wear. High-heeled shoes and shoes with a narrow toe box can lead to hammertoe.
Experienced Podiatrist in Naples, FL
Choose Dr. Jaime Weaver at the Joint Replacement Institute for all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. Weaver is a board-certified podiatrist highly skilled and experienced in diagnosing, treating, and preventing all types of foot problems that affect women and men. Dr. Weaver provides nonsurgical and surgical treatments to achieve the best results for patients.
For superior and compassionate podiatry care, make an appointment with Dr. Weaver today. Call our podiatry clinic in Naples at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form.
