7 Distinct Foot Problems Women Face

During National Women's Health Month, we at Goldsmith Podiatry have one job: to educate our patients on the foot problems unique to women. While not exclusive to one sex, many women’s health issues, such as pregnancy and menopause, can manifest in the feet and ankles. Today, we’ll outline how these distinct systemic issues influence podiatry.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings significant hormonal and physical changes that commonly affect the feet and ankles. For instance, the increased production of Relaxin can loosen ligaments in the feet, collapse the arches, and potentially lead to overpronation and pain.

The increased fluid retention during pregnancy can also result in swollen feet and ankles, which can be uncomfortable and make fitting into shoes a challenge. Not to mention, the added weight gain during pregnancy puts extra stress on the feet and can irritate conditions you may already have, like plantar fasciitis.

Menopause

Menopause and its declining estrogen levels can also impact foot and ankle health in various ways.

Reduced estrogen typically causes decreased bone density, so fractures (especially stress fractures) during menopause are more common than normal.  

There are also changes in collagen production during this time, which can affect the strength of tendons and ligaments, so conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis are risks.

Autoimmune Diseases

Several autoimmune diseases, which are significantly more prevalent in women, can have profound manifestations in the feet and ankles, often presenting as arthritis-like symptoms or other specific issues:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: RA commonly targets the small joints of the feet and ankles. It causes symmetrical pain, swelling, and stiffness that can lead to deformities like bunions and claw toes over time due to chronic inflammation and joint erosion.

  • Lupus: Lupus can cause widespread inflammation throughout the body, including the joints of the feet and ankles. Women may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness that often moves from joint to joint. Beyond joint issues, lupus can also cause skin rashes on the feet, Raynaud's phenomenon (where toes turn white or blue with cold), and even neuropathy.

  • Psoriatic Arthritis: This condition is associated with psoriasis, causing inflammation in the joints, tendons, and ligaments, which makes the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia also vulnerable. It can also lead to dactylitis and pitting or discoloration on the toenails.

  • Sjogren's Syndrome: While primarily known for causing dryness in the eyes and mouth, Sjogren's syndrome can also lead to peripheral neuropathy and arthritis.

  • Scleroderma: This autoimmune disease causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. In the feet, it can lead to skin thickening and tightness, joint stiffness, and severe Raynaud's phenomenon that can compromise blood flow to the toes, which can cause ulcers.

Start today. Your feet will thank you tomorrow. For more advice when it comes to your foot health and wellness, give us a call at (212) 877-1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff at Goldsmith Podiatry can help alleviate any podiatric problems you’re facing.

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