5 Systemic Issues That Manifest in Women’s Feet
During National Women’s Health Month, it’s a timely reminder that our bodies function as interconnected systems. Often, seemingly isolated foot and ankle issues can be subtle indicators of broader conditions that disproportionately affect women. In today’s article, we at My Chicago Foot Expert will discuss 5 of these issues and how women’s feet uniquely indicate them.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings significant hormonal and physical changes that commonly affect women’s feet and ankles. The increased production of hormones like relaxin, for example, can loosen the foot’s ligaments and cause the arches to flatten. This can potentially lead to overpronation and associated pain.
Then there’s swelling, which is a normal part of pregnancy, due to increased fluid retention. The added weight gain during pregnancy also puts stress on the feet and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Menopause
Menopause, characterized by declining estrogen levels, can also lead to changes in collagen production, which can cause plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis due to the altered elasticity of tendons and ligaments. Some women also need to change their shoes due to changes in foot size and shape during menopause.
Autoimmune Diseases
Several autoimmune diseases, which are more prevalent in women, can have significant manifestations in the feet and ankles:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: RA commonly targets the small joints of the feet and ankles, causing symmetrical pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially leading to deformities like bunions and claw toes.
- Lupus: This chronic inflammatory disease can affect various parts of the body, including the joints of the feet and ankles. It can also lead to Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes cold feet due to lack of circulation.
- Sjogren’s Syndrome: Primarily known for dry eyes and mouth, Sjogren’s can also cause joint pain and inflammation. Additionally, the associated nerve involvement can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which can be troubling for women with diabetes.
Thyroid disorders
These issues are statistically more common in women and can have surprising effects on foot health. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles due to fluid retention, as well as dry skin and cold extremities. Conversely, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) may cause excessive sweating of the feet.
Stress Fractures
On average, women have less bone density than men. This means that women are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men, particularly after menopause, due to the decline in estrogen levels.
This lack of density causes stress fractures in the weight-bearing bones of the feet, as well as other areas of the skeleton. For women who are avid runners, athletes, or entering old age, stress fractures are a true risk.
For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
