Women’s feet have gotten a lot of attention in recent years. Even a minor ache can dampen a person’s happiness if not treated, but solving the problem requires identifying its source. In today’s post, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Cassandra Stache, DPM of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center share causes of foot pain in women, and provide some solutions to treat it.
Two Common Causes of Women’s Foot Pain
- Changes in Weather: Autumn weather can lead to added foot pain. Because it’s colder, the pressure in your nerves is elevated. This can cause pain in the tendons and ligaments that support your arches. Also, as the temperature plummets, toenails get dry and break easier, making them more susceptible to uncomfortable fungal infections. The cooler weather also impacts your circulation. Chilblains can develop when the blood vessels in your feet constrict and narrow due to the cold, causing pain, skin cracking, and redness. The good news is that toenail infections and chilblains are temporary and typically go away on their own.
- Footwear Choices: The most common cause of women’s foot pain is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. If your fall footwear is too tight, it can cause problems like hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and bunions. A bunion is an uncomfortable lump-like swelling on the outside of the big toe joint. Keep toes straight instead of crushed against each other in tight shoes to relieve bunion pain. Hammertoes also become more painful during the fall months because they’re often pushed into an awkward position by closed-toe shoes, like ankle booties or high heels. This aggravates them and makes them more vulnerable to pain and inflammation. Wearing properly fitted, comfortable shoes can help avert foot pain during autumn. And this style change can also help how you walk, which can keep you from getting hurt.
Relieving Pain in Women’s Feet
The first step to diminishing foot pain is to rest your feet frequently, using an elevated recliner, footrest, or chair to keep them off the ground. If you must be on your feet, wear shoes that offer good cushioning and arch support.
Another effective way to relieve foot pain is stretching your feet daily before bedtime. Stretching your toes will help alleviate tension at the bottom of your feet. Apply a cold compress to the painful area to help numb the skin and decrease inflammation.
Women’s feet are delicate and require special treatment. If you’re experiencing foot pain, getting treatment as soon as possible is important so chronic pain doesn’t become a problem.
At Your Next Step, we offer a variety of footwear that can help ease the discomfort caused by hammertoes, bunions, and other foot issues; browse our inventory today, and if your foot pain persists, contact Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center.
Click here to locate the office nearest you to book your appointment.