Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?
It is time to say goodbye to the lovely British summer and welcome autumn soon. As the weather cools, women switch from sandals and open-toed shoes to closed ones. This transition can be uncomfortable especially in presence of deformity. Two of the most common types of pain women feel in autumn come from bunions and toe deformities, such as hammer toes. So Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?
In this month’s blog we will explore bunions and toe deformities and discuss ways we can minimise discomfort from them while walking.
Understanding Bunions
A bunion is a bump that form on the outside of the big toe joint. The medical term for bunions is hallux abducto-valgus (HAV). Bunions are caused by the big toe pushing over on to the second, causing crossover of the toes, which makes it difficult to walk due to pressure on the toes from footwear. Once the big toe leans toward the second toe, the tendons no longer pull the toe in a straight line, so the problem tends to get progressively worse. The main contributing factors to this deformity are genetics, inappropriate footwear, and abnormal foot mechanics.
Women sometimes experience throbbing that continues even after removing their shoes. The site of the bunion can also be inflamed or red and can feel numb or have a burning sensation.
Understanding toe deformities
There are several types of lesser toe deformity and depending on the shape, they are called hammer toes, clawed toes or retracted toes. Toe deformities can occur when there is an imbalance with the intrinsic muscles within the foot and the leg. External pressures from shoes and direct injury can cause buckling of the toes that can result in toe deformities. Certain inflammatory and neurological conditions can cause toe deformities as well.
Hammertoes tend to be associated with bunions. A hammertoe is a bending of one or both joints of a toe. In most cases corns and calluses can built up on the toe, between the toes or on the ball of the foot due to constant friction from footwear. Inflammation, redness, or a burning sensation are also possible and in severe cases, skin can break down.
Are they serious?
Some people have large bunions that are painless but cause difficulties with footwear, while others have small bunions that can be very painful. Although some treatments can ease the pain from the bunions and toe deformities, only surgery can correct the alignment of the foot.
People who have reduced sensation on their feet or reduced circulation are more at risk of developing serious foot issues as they can present with ulcers on their toes. If left untreated, these issues can progress rapidly to limb threatening problems.
What treatments are available?
If you experience pain and discomfort from bunions and toe deformities, there are a few things to consider that can help alleviate your discomfort. Initially, I would recommend seeing a podiatrist who will assess your feet, identify and contributing factors to your discomfort and discuss a management plan. Your podiatrist may recommend the following:
- No treatment (you can elect to live with your foot deformities)
- Regular review by a podiatrist who will reduce the callus build-up periodically
- Exercises to strengthen the small muscles in between your toes
- Orthoses (special devices inserted into shoes to control abnormal foot function)
- Shoe alterations or night splints which hold toes straight during sleep (may help to slow the progression of bunions in children)
These are all conservative measures and although they may help relieve symptoms there is no evidence that they can correct the underlying deformity. Your podiatrist will be able to assess your feet and refer you for surgery, which can involve a combination of removing, realigning, and pinning of the bone. Once referred, your podiatric surgeon will evaluate the extent of the deformity and discuss with you a surgical management plan.
The aim of surgery is to address the underlying deformity to prevent recurrence. As with all surgery, there are risks and complications, so it is not usually advised unless your bunions and toe deformities are causing pain and conservative measures have not really helped.
How do I prevent foot deformities?
There are a few things to consider when it comes to prevention of bunions and toe deformities. Poorly fitting footwear tends to aggravate the problem as it can squeeze the forefoot, crowding the toes together and exacerbating the underlying condition, causing pain and deformity of the joint. With advancing age, bunions and toe deformities may progress.
Wearing sensible shoes that fit well is a good preventative measure. Try to pick shoes that are wide enough and deep enough for your toes and avoid high heels. Wearing a shoe with a strap or lace over the instep holds the foot secure and stable reducing the need for you to try to stabilise your foot with your toes.
Medipod Can Help – Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?
At Medipod Clinics we have a wealth of experience when it comes to managing foot problems. As well as keeping up to date with the latest research and new treatments, we always try to give you the information and tools you need to keep your feet healthy.
Some of our podiatrists specialise in the mechanical function of your feet so we can offer expert advice about bunions, toe deformities, heel pain, tendinitis, and many more mechanical foot issues. We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, verrucas, fungal infections, thickened nails, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.
If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.
Thank you for reading – Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?.
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director