Archives for August 2022

Foot pain is a major concern among women who tend to wear less-than-comfortable shoes more often than not. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, however, there may be more to foot pain than high heels.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are many reasons that a woman’s feet may be achy and painful. 

Fallen Arches

One is a fallen arch. This happens when the tendon between the inside of the foot and the calf muscle is damaged from overuse. A fallen arch can radiate pain up into the ankle. Orthotic shoes (or an orthopedic insert) can help, although Marla Ahlgrimm recommends visiting a podiatrist for a consultation.

Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome is another condition, which can also be attributed to a fallen arch. When an arch collapses, it puts pressure throughout the entire foot. Sometimes, it can pinch joints together and trigger pain in the cuboid bone. The cuboid is the bone that sticks out just a bit to the bottom of your pinky toe. Cuboid syndrome is often mistaken for plantar fasciitis and, like fallen arches, may be corrected with orthopedic inserts.

Arthritis

Women who are approaching “a certain age” may also experience pain due to arthritis. This is most common in former athletes that experienced multiple foot injuries. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is caused by overuse and inflammation. Arthritis can also trigger a condition known as turf toe, a term coined by its most common cause: cleats getting caught in turf on the football field. Turf toe can also develop in women who wear heels that are higher than three inches.

Calluses

Calluses are a much more common cause of foot pain, but many women don’t think of them as a problem. Calluses, says Marla Ahlgrimm, are typically not harmful. But, if they become cracked or the skin underneath becomes exposed, a woman’s feet may feel sore and tender.

Bunions

Another extremely common cause of foot pain is the normally overlooked bunion. Although Marla Ahlgrimm says these are often attributed to the types of shoes we wear, the truth is that shoes can aggravate but not cause bunions. Bunions, which are essentially red and painful bumps at the base of the big or pinky toe, can happen when we overpronate or have flat feet.

Strains And Sprains

We like to think that we would know when we’ve sprained an ankle, the truth is that these can happen without us even realizing it. Stretching your ligaments and tendons can happen slowly, but so does the healing process. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the best cure for a strain or sprain is simply the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons of the foot, and Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s sometimes caused by normal usage gone wrong. Other times, tendonitis is triggered when you use your feet and a new way, such as if you start running or practicing yoga. Tendonitis is typified by slight swelling and a dull ache immediately following a move you should not have made.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the best way to take care of your feet is to wear properly fitting shoes. Women should also take their nail polish off often and clean under the toenails. The feet should be moisturized, and Marla Ahlgrimm also recommends leaving the flip-flops at home unless you’re heading to the beach. Shoes should be well-fitted and support the foot’s natural arch.

If you are experiencing foot pain, Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s best to consult with a podiatrist, which is a healthcare provider trained specifically in issues of the feet and ankles.