Forest Foot and Health Clinic Are Celebrating International Women’s Day
The Podiatry Team
On Tuesday the 8th of March, the Forest Foot and Health Clinic will be present to celebrate International Women’s Day at a charity luncheon to be held at Carey’s Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst. This event is hosted in collaboration with Southampton Business School, part of the University of Southampton and the New Forest Business Partnership and will celebrate local women in business.
We will be supporting the event by providing prizes for a charity raffle, with all proceeds being donated to local charity Forca - strength against cancer, a local Lymington based registered charity which supports people living with cancer both in Hampshire and Dorset.
Why May Ladies Be at Risk of Foot Injuries?
Ladies may be at higher risk of developing osteoporosis later in life which can cause the bones in the foot to be more susceptible to injuries such as stress fractures. We take a holistic approach with all our patients including lifestyle, occupation and hobbies - all of which may affect how our feet function for us.
The most common causes of foot injury in female patients include:
Footwear. For ladies, ill-fitting footwear may contribute to, or exacerbate, conditions that may become painful such as bunions, ingrown toenails and neuromas.
Nail care. It is important that toenails are trimmed incorrectly. Nails that are curved cannot be trimmed the say way as nails that are flat. Often, we see ingrowing toenails / problem nails where a small shard of nail has inadvertently been left in situ.
Sports & Exercise Injuries. Often when taking up a new exercise regime, it is easy for muscles and ligaments to be over-worked. This may be the sudden onset of conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis.
It is also extremely important to wear the correct shoe for your sport. If playing Tennis, wear a tennis shoe. If ballroom dancing wear ballroom shoes, if latin dancing wear latin dancing shoes - the feet move and work very differently in these two dance styles.
Walking is one of the most under-rated forms of exercise - it is free and most of us are fortunate enough to be able to do this activity. We live in one of the best parts of the country - with both the forest and sea to hand. Investing in comfortable, cushioned walking shoes or trainers is a must.
Common Foot Problems in Women
Stylish Shoes Can Be Supportive
Foot Problems are very common in women of all ages. Your two feet are very critical to your body’s health and ability to walk and run, but consequently take a lot of beating.
Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 120 muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves - and your feet have to support your entire body weight. The important foot functions include:
- Support the weight of your body
- Act as shock absorbers
- Flex and push you forward with each step
- Help with balance and prevent you from falling
How Common Are Foot Problems?
1 in 3 women over the age of 65 has foot pain, aching or foot stiffness.
The most common foot problems are triggered from poor-fitting shoes, including pointy-toed and high-heeled. Many women wear shoes that are too small, too narrow, or high-heeled, with slippery soles and offer no support.
What are the most common foot problems in women?
Tailor’s Bunion
Also known as a “bunionette” and is often a hereditary trait commonly seen among family members.
Described as a bony lump that forms on the outside of the foot, specifically the little toe.
Can increase in size and could cause skin irritation over the bony lump due to friction from the footwear.
Bunion
Similar to a Tailor’s Bunion, but always affects the great (big) toe.
Tight shoes (those that compress the toes) typically rub against this bony protuberance causing other issues such as calluses and skin irritation.
Bunions are often a hereditary trait commonly seen among family members.
Neuroma
Refers to thickening of the nerve tissue due to continuous irritation of the nerve from compression.
Commonly affecting the foot, specifically in between the 3rd and 4th toes called a “Morton’s neuroma”.
Common symptoms include tingling, burning, and numbness of toes like “there’s something inside the ball of the foot”
One of the most common causes of foot pain in women.
Is treated by plantar foot stretches.
Do NOT go barefoot as barefoot is for babies only! With age we lose the fat pads or natural cushions on our heels.
Hallux Rigidus
Is a common type of arthritis of the great toe.
Can be treated by changing the footwear (avoiding pressure on the joint line).
You may need an orthotic foot support device.
A complication from underlying, poorly-controlled diabetes.
Presents as an ulcer, infection, or neuropathy (“pins and needles of the foot”).
People with diabetes are prone to getting foot ulcers due to their reduced ability to feel pain due to diabetic neuropathy.
It’s important to wear protective shoes and examine your feet regularly in addition to keeping your blood sugar under control.
Inspect your feet nightly if you have diabetes and do NOT go barefoot ever.
Very common and can cause a painful toe infection.
Occurs when the edges of the nail grow into the skin next to the nail causing redness and swelling.
Common among those with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease or have circulatory problems or those that have trauma to foot and toenails
Book an appointment with one of the podiatrists here or view which treatments we offer here.