Why do women deal with more foot problems than men? It’s not just about stilettos or fashion choices – biology and genetics play a much bigger role. Here’s what specialists know about the gender gap in foot health.
Women are more prone to foot deformities
Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and nerve pain in the foot affect women far more often than men. Studies suggest that up to 75% of these cases involve female patients.
Genetics are a major factor
If your mother or grandmother struggled with foot deformities, there’s a good chance you might too. Hereditary traits, especially in women, make some more vulnerable to conditions like bunions.
Ligaments in women are naturally weaker
One of the reasons women’s feet develop deformities more easily is that their ligaments tend to be more elastic and less stable. This makes it easier for joints and bones in the foot to shift over time.
Narrow feet leave less space for nerves
A condition like Morton’s neuroma, where a thickened nerve causes pain in the ball of the foot, is more common in women. Narrower feet can squeeze nerves more tightly, increasing discomfort.
Shoe choice reveals the problem
While footwear isn’t the root cause, slim, tight or high-heeled shoes can expose underlying foot issues. Women may experience symptoms sooner simply because of the shoes they prefer.
Men may ignore foot issues longer
Some experts suggest that men tend to choose comfort over fashion when it comes to footwear, meaning they’re less likely to notice or react to early foot pain compared to women.
Cosmetic concerns make women seek help
Foot deformities can be visibly noticeable. Many women feel self-conscious about how their feet look and are therefore quicker to consult specialists when problems appear.
Surgery is not always the solution
Even when deformities like bunions appear, medical experts often advise against surgery unless the pain is significant. Surgery can be invasive and may lead to long recovery times.
Foot problems usually appear early
Issues like bunions and crooked toes typically start developing between the ages of 20 and 30, even if they aren’t severe enough to require treatment until much later.
Both feet are often affected
Foot conditions related to deformities and misalignment rarely target just one foot. It’s common for both feet to show signs of the issue, though one side may be more visibly affected.
Insoles won’t prevent genetic conditions
Custom insoles and orthopedic shoes can relieve symptoms but won’t stop genetically inherited deformities from developing. Preventive footwear is not a guarantee against bunions or skewed toes.
This article is based on information from IFORM