Menopause can be an uncomfortable time in a woman’s life. The decline in the production of certain hormones can bring about a range of uncomfortable symptoms, like hot flashes, mood changes and sleep difficulty, but it’s also possible that menopause can make life a little harder for your feet. In today’s blog, we explore why menopause is sometimes tied to an increase in certain foot conditions.
Menopause And Your Feet
Estrogen production begins to taper off as a woman progresses through menopause, and estrogen is vital for a number of important bodily functions. As it pertains to your feet, estrogen is essential in the production of collagen. Collagen is the main building block for soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin, and when collagen levels drops, these tissues can become less elastic and more prone to acute injuries. If soft tissues weaken and can’t as easily hold structures in place, injuries can arise.
For example, three foot conditions that may be more common in post-menopausal women include:
1. Bunions – Bunions develop when the big toe joint shifts inward, leading to the formation of a bony prominence on the side of the base of the big toe joint. Women are already at an elevated risk for bunions because ill-fitting shoes are a leading cause of bunion formation, especially in post-menopausal women. As we mentioned above, a drop in estrogen can weaken the soft tissues that help to hold the big toe joint in place. If the joint becomes less stable, its chances of shifting out of a healthy alignment increases. Fluctuating hormones can weaken the big toe joint stability and make it more prone to shifting out of position.
2. Hallux Rigidus – Hallux rigidus is another condition that affects a person’s big toe. The condition is primarily caused by arthritis that can be driven or worsened by decreased hormone levels that help to maintain joint flexibility. Hallux rigidus presents with a loss in flexibility and a stiff big toe, which can be both uncomfortable and painful. Again, this problem is more likely in postmenopausal women whose decreased hormone production leads to reduced collagen and soft tissue elasticity.
3. Dry Cracked Heels – Finally, decreased estrogen and collagen can negatively impact your body’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, which can lead to dry, flaky or cracked skin and heels. Cracked heels can be painful and even bleed if you continue to put stress and strain on your feet. Moisturizers and hormone medication can help your skin maintain elasticity, but you may notice that skin dryness and heel cracking is an unfortunate side effect of menopause.
Whether you’re dealing with a menopause-related foot issue or not, we want to be your source for foot and ankle diagnosis and treatment. For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.