Women face many different risks because of their gender, including a greater chance of injury to their feet and ankles. From genetics and weight to habitual walking in high heels, many factors make females more vulnerable to certain foot problems than men.
Why Women Are at Risk of Foot Injuries
There are several anatomical differences between men's and women's feet, and a woman's smaller foot may play a role in the ability to bear the weight of her body. Women are also at higher risk of osteoporosis later in life, causing bones in the feet to bend or break with very little pressure.
The most common causes of foot injury in female patients include:
- Footwear. While men can also suffer foot trauma from poorly-fitting shoes, women are far more likely to suffer conditions such as bunions, ingrown toenails, and neuromas from wearing fashionable footwear for long periods of time.
- Nail care. Trimming and painting toenails can open the foot up to skin and nail problems, including fungal nail infections and wounds that have difficulty healing.
- Sports and swimming injuries. Active women may suffer tiny forefoot fractures or sprain an ankle if they overexert themselves in a new exercise regimen. Gym members are also likely to contract plantar warts or athlete's foot from walking barefoot in the pool, sauna, or locker room.
- Pregnancy. Weight gain and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause problems in the feet, legs, and ankles. Our intervention can ease the discomfort from flat feet or heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Whether you have an ongoing skin or toenail condition or need immediate intervention for an injury, the foot specialists at Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry are here to help. We offer free initial consultations to determine the root cause of the problem, and create a customized treatment plan to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Simply fill out our online contact form or call us at (301) 515-FEET to set up your first visit.
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