Celebrating Women’s History Month with Good Foot Health

At Pasco Hernando Foot & Ankle, we’d like to recognize Women’s History Month by helping today’s women battle some foot and ankle disorders that affect women more often than men. Did you know that, on average, women walk three miles a day more than men? The amount of time a woman spends on their feet combined with footwear choices may be two reasons why the following conditions occur more often in females than males.

Bunions—this toe deformity that results in the big toe joint moving out of place forces the big toe to move towards the second toe and produces a large, bony bump on the outside of the toe. Bunions are a progressive condition that will get worse over time without treatment. They cause painful friction with footwear and can also lead to the formation of corns and calluses on the toes.

Weak Ankles—typical of this condition is an ankle frequently twisting or the ongoing sensation that it will “give way.” Failing to strengthen the ligaments of the ankle and the muscles that support them can lead to additional sprains. Chronic weak ankles often stem from one or more ankle sprains not fully rehabilitated.

Haglund’s Deformity—the more common name for this podiatric problem— “Pump Bump”—will explain why this condition frequently affects women. It’s a bony enlargement that forms at the back of the heel and is often either caused or exacerbated by stiff pump backs that rub on the heel. Men can get it too, however, from work boots, ice skates, or other footwear with high backs.

Tips for Improving Women’s Podiatric Health

There are several ways women can be proactive in protecting the health of their feet:

• Wear well-designed shoes that fit correctly. Get professionally measured periodically as shoe size can increase. Some studies estimate that as many as 9 out 10 women are wearing too-small shoes. Limit time spent in high heels and select styles with roomy, not narrow toes boxes.

• Keep feet covered in public places. Fungal infections lurk on the surfaces at the community pool, gym, and nail salon and easily spread if your feet come in direct contact with them.

Don’t ignore foot pain and discomfort. Women tend to take care of everyone else before themselves. Putting off getting a foot problem evaluated and treated may lead to a worse and more painful foot condition. If you are experiencing foot problems, contact our Hudson office for an appointment by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can promptly examine your feet and deal with any foot conditions.