Higher
BMI
Most women
gain weight as they age and the hormonal changes of menopause only
increase the likelihood of gaining weight. Women who have a higher
body mass index (BMI) are at a greater risk of foot pain. Women who
are carrying extra weight have a higher risk of many painful
podiatric problems like osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and tendon
inflammation.
Thinning
Fat Pads
Another
problem that leads to foot pain among older women is thinning
fat pads on the soles of the
feet. Women lose fat stores in their face and feet as they age. While
fat loss in the face can make a woman appear gaunt, it's the fat loss
on the soles of the feet that really hurt. These fat pads protect
nerves, ligaments, bones, and tendons by absorbing impact. By age 50,
the average woman will have lost about 50% of this protection on her
feet.
Calluses
Women
are much more likely to develop calluses on their feet than men, most
likely because women spend their life wearing
high-heeled shoes. A callus is
an accumulation of dead skin cells that hardens over an area of the
foot. Calluses form due to pressure and friction and they're most
often found on the heel, inside the big toe, and on the ball of the
foot.
Plantar
Fasciitis
Most
people assume athletes are at the greatest risk of developing plantar
fasciitis, the most
common cause of heel pain, but
the risk for this condition actually increases with age. While the
exact cause isn't known, post-menopausal women are believed to be at
a higher risk of heel pain and inflammation because the feet widen
and flatten with age, which increases stress on the fascia. Thinning
of the fat pads on the soles of the feet likely plays a role as well.
Getting
Treatment
While
getting older isn't always a picnic, there are plenty of steps you
can take to maintain your health and quality of life. Taking care of
your feet is one of the best things you can do to maintain your
mobility and well-being through the journey of menopause. If you're
experiencing foot pain, it's important to schedule an appointment
with a podiatrist as soon as possible to treat the cause of the pain
before it worsens, potentially leading to disabling pain or numbness
of the feet.
I had absolutely positively no idea about any of this. Thank you thank you thank you
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot, too!
DeleteThis is very informative. If only I could lose fat pads in other areas. I've had plantar fascitis issues before, but thank goodness it went away. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteI have those same fat pads, ha-ha!
DeleteRecently my wife is having problems with her feet, particularly with swollen ankles.
ReplyDeleteThis might be part of the problem then, huh?
DeleteI have my feet check a couple of times a year, but can tell you that at the end of a day when I have been on my feet all day they are so very sore, I no longer wear high heels but I can't wear flats either they make my legs ache at home I wear no shoes at all I prefer to walk around barefoot
ReplyDeleteI'm with you----no more heels. I like to be barefoot or in sandals.
DeleteI knew my feet were hurting more with each passing year, but I had attributed it to compensations from my knee issues. Who knew foot pain came with age? My kind of article - where I learn something!
ReplyDeleteI started having foot pain about five years ago. It comes and goes now, so I'm trying to take better care of my feet.
DeleteDid I tell you I voluntarily went off of my hormones which the doctor said would mean instant menopause since I had a full H. Well, I did. And baby, it's here, lol. but that's okay, I didn't want to take a pill everyday. I laugh though, when I heat up faster than a porkchop on a frying pan turned to high and everyone else is wearing jackets. :) Now I'll be watching out for my feet. :) Here to wish you a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny, Rosey! I hear ya about sizzling pork chop condition!
DeleteWow Marcia this one really hit home. I've been having foot pain for about 2 years now. First I thought it was because I did a lot of walking during my vacation but when it didn't go away I finally saw my doctor, who did some blood work which indicated there was a chance that I had rheumatoid arthritis. He referred me to a rheumatologist who determined that the pain is osteoarthritis. We've played around with some medications and I finally found one that seems to work and has minimal side effects (my whole body broke into a rash as a side effect of another). But I never knew that my foot problems could be tied to my menopause symptoms. Thanks so much for an informative post. Also, I tried a podiatrist who recommended non-invasive therapies - ie - more supportive shoes, wrapping my feet in bandages...they didn't work. I also had xrays which showed nothing, it was the MRI that showed the arthritis.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it something? When I gained some weight during menopause a few years ago, that's when I started experiencing the foot pain.
DeleteAhhh, the things we look forward to as we age. Sucks right? Nowadays I sneeze hard and pull a back muscle. Or how about waking up from a good nights sleep to find some mystery aches and pains.
ReplyDeleteOh gawd Phil, you are preaching to the choir here .That is my life EVERY SINGLE DAY.
DeleteThere are so many different aspects when it comes to this topic. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on this particular aspect.
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ReplyDeleteIf you are suffering from pain on your foot you can't enjoy all your activities according to your routine. you can't stand on your foot for a long time. Some times you can't join with others for doing something. Any kinds of foot pain can be treated & managed by doing some stretching exercise, inserts & massaging products. Best Foot Massager Reviews
ReplyDeleteHeel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
ReplyDeleteOne particular problem which is commonplace is known as plantar fasciitis which often occurs when small tears from the plantar fascia that ties together the bone to the back heel muscles happen. I find this website for Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis. You can visit this site.
ReplyDeleteGive yourself a foot massage or ask your partner, family member, or friend to help.
ReplyDeleteTake regular foot baths and apply lotion to your feet.
Use laser therapy on your feet, ankles, and calves to reduce edema and aches and pain.
There are best advises!
Extremely useful and helpful ,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the value information !
My country have this service alot, some day you can come to Thailand.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post. Actually after menopause, most of the women suffer from various foot problems like calluses, dryness and cracked feet. Do you know how to get rid of thick calluses on feet ? It is simple and easy and can be done at home. Yes! You don't need to consult a podiatrist to remove calluses. You just need some expert advice and we are always here to give you proper solution. Visit us to know all about foot problem and how to get rid of them.
ReplyDelete