Women’s Foot Care in Garland & Wylie, TX

Women can experience foot and ankle problems at every stage of life. Footwear, pregnancy, activity level, work demands, aging, foot structure and previous injuries can all affect how your feet feel and function.

At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic, our podiatrists provide comprehensive women’s foot care at both of our Dallas area / North Texas locations. Scott Nelson, DPM treats patients at our Garland, TX office, while Hang Nguyen, DPM provides foot and ankle care at our Wylie, TX location.

Whether you are dealing with bunion pain, heel pain, a neuroma, an ingrown toenail or another foot problem, our doctors can identify the cause and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.

Call (972) 414-9800 or request an appointment online today.

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Common Foot Problems in Women

Many foot and ankle conditions affect both women and men. However, certain problems occur more frequently in women or can become worse because of footwear and other factors.

Common concerns include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Corns and calluses
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Arch and forefoot pain
  • Foot and ankle swelling
  • Sports and exercise injuries
  • Pain caused or aggravated by footwear

For example, bunions occur more frequently in women, and narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes can increase pressure around an existing bunion.

Likewise, Morton’s neuroma occurs more often in women and can cause burning, tingling or sharp pain in the ball of the foot. Tight shoes and high heels may aggravate symptoms.

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High Heels, Dress Shoes & Foot Pain

One of the main foot offenders for women are high heeled shoes… especially heels that are 2 inches or more in height. Women that wear heels and other types of shoes like this on a regular basis are unwittingly inviting all types of foot problems. High heeled shoes are believed to be biomechanically and structurally unsound.  There are several medical, postural and safety faults of these types of heels.

For example, high heels has been known to increase knee pain, back problems, disabling injuries in falls, shortened calf muscles, and an awkward unnatural gait.  With time, high heels can precipitate enough changes in the feet to impair their proper function.  Most women admit high heels make their feet hurt, but they tolerate the discomfort in order to look stylish, taller, and more professional.  In a Gallup Poll, 37% of the women surveyed said they would continue to wear high heels, even though they did not find them comfortable.

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Foot Changes During Pregnancy

As your body prepares for the birth of your child, this has direct affect on your feet.  Have you ever heard your grandmother or mother say that her foot increased in size with each of their children’s births?

Your body releases special chemicals during pregnancy to relax the ligaments in the birth canal in order for the baby to be born.  These same chemicals can cause the ligaments in the feet to do te same thing.  As they relax and stretch from the increased weight of the baby, it is very possible that your feet will change in size.

Therefore, comfortable shoes with adequate room and support become particularly important.

However, sudden or significant swelling during pregnancy can have causes outside the foot itself. If swelling becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your obstetric healthcare provider promptly.

Pay close attention to your feet while pregnant.  Wear good sturdy shoes to accommodate for the extra weight put on your feet during this short time in your life.

Older Women

Older women have specific problems with their feet.  Things like Achilles Tendonitis, Hammertoes, Bunions, Metatarsalgia, Neuromas, Pump Bump and Plantar Fasciitis often crop up around age 65 or older.

There is a natural loss of your protective fat pad underneath the front of your feet just behind the toes. With this loss of fat pad, the foot problems become magnified.  What was once there to provide padding is no longer present.

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Wearing Heels Safely

When it comes to women’s high heel shoes – there is a way to have your cake and eat it too.  Simply limit the amount of time you spend wearing the high heels and alternate your heels with flat soled shoes throughout the day to give your foot a break.

Avoid buying pairs of shoes earlier in the day. Tight fitting shoes (especially the high heels) contribute to many more foot problems.  Go shoe shopping later in the day when your feet are more swollen or are increased in size.

The good news out there is that many shoe companies are realizing the need for dress shoes that aren’t necessarily high heeled.  There are many different options that you can search through to find a good fitting pair of shoes that are stylish enough for any occasion.

You do not necessarily have to give up every pair of heels in your closet. However, shoes that repeatedly squeeze the toes or place excessive pressure on the forefoot will contribute to discomfort and potential problems.

If you regularly wear heels, pointed-toe shoes or narrow dress shoes, watch for:

  • Pain around the big-toe joint
  • Burning in the ball of the foot
  • Corns or calluses
  • Bent or crowded toes
  • Heel or arch pain
  • Numbness or tingling

Refer to this paper on the National Library of Medicine’s website titled “Effects of high-heeled shoes on lower extremity biomechanics and balance in females: a systematic review and meta-analysis“

MedlinePlus also recommends properly fitting, supportive footwear and a wider toe box for people experiencing foot pain.

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Bunions & Hammertoes

Bunions and hammertoes are common structural foot problems that can make ordinary shoes increasingly uncomfortable.

A bunion develops around the joint at the base of the big toe, while a hammertoe causes one of the smaller toes to bend abnormally.

Conservative treatments such as wider footwear, padding or custom orthotics may help selected patients manage discomfort. However, more advanced or painful deformities sometimes require surgical correction.

Learn more on our Bunion Treatment and Hammertoe Treatment pages.

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Heel Pain in Women

Heel pain can develop from prolonged standing, exercise, changes in activity, poorly fitting footwear or conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

For some women, pain becomes especially noticeable with the first few steps in the morning or after spending a long day on their feet.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include stretching, supportive footwear, activity changes, custom orthotics or other conservative options.

Visit our Heel Pain and Heel Pain Treatment pages to learn more.

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Custom Orthotics for Women’s Foot Problems

For selected patients, custom orthotics can help support the feet, redistribute pressure and improve comfort.

They may become part of treatment for conditions such as:

  • Heel pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Symptomatic flat feet
  • Certain forefoot problems
  • Recurring pressure-related discomfort

However, not everyone with foot pain needs custom orthotics. Dr. Nelson or Dr. Nguyen can determine whether they would benefit your particular condition.

Learn more on our Custom Orthotics page.

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Women’s Foot Care in Garland, TX

Women looking for a podiatrist in Garland, Texas can schedule an appointment with Scott Nelson, DPM at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Dr. Nelson treats bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, neuromas, toenail problems, sports injuries and many other foot and ankle conditions.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Garland
3930 Naaman School Road, Suite C
Garland, TX 75040
(972) 414-9800

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Women’s Foot Care in Wylie, TX

Women looking for foot and ankle care in Wylie, Texas can schedule an appointment with Hang Nguyen, DPM.

Dr. Nguyen provides conservative and surgical foot and ankle care for a wide variety of conditions, including bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, fractures and other painful foot problems.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Wylie
2300 FM 544, Suite 230
Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 414-9800

The clinic’s current site confirms the Garland and Wylie office locations and identifies Dr. Nelson with Garland and Dr. Nguyen with Wylie care.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Foot Care

Are bunions more common in women?

Yes. Bunions occur more frequently in women. Foot structure and family history can contribute, while narrow-toed and high-heeled shoes may aggravate the condition.

Can high heels cause foot pain?

Yes. High heels and narrow shoes can increase pressure on the toes and forefoot and may worsen conditions such as bunions and Morton’s neuroma.

Should I see a podiatrist for recurring foot pain?

Yes. Consider an evaluation when pain keeps returning, affects walking or exercise, makes shoes uncomfortable or does not improve with simple changes in footwear or activity.

Can women get custom orthotics for foot pain?

Yes, when they are appropriate for the underlying condition. Your podiatrist can determine whether custom orthotics could improve support or reduce problematic pressure.

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Schedule Women’s Foot Care in Garland or Wylie

Foot pain should not dictate which shoes you can wear, how far you can walk or which activities you enjoy.

At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic, Scott Nelson, DPM provides women’s foot care in Garland, while Hang Nguyen, DPM treats patients at our Wylie location.

Call (972) 414-9800 or request an appointment with our podiatrists online today.

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