Oak Park Podiatry (708) 763-0580	Advanced Physical Medicine, S. Chicago (773) 776-3166
Advanced Physical Medicine, S.E. Chicago (773) 994-0417

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Dr. Bender published the following article about the difficulties women suffer with their feet in the 2008 "Women's Health Journal Watch. "

Women's Foot Complants
The most common foot ailments in women are onychomycosis, Morton neuroma, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.

A variety of foot conditions plague women more often than men. Many are aggravated by the shoes that women wear but also can be caused by loss of bone density as women age. The most common foot ailments in women are onychomycosis, Morton neuroma, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.

Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the toenails, onychomycosis most often is caused by dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes) or yeasts and molds, primarily Candida. Although diagnosis often is based on the clinician's judgment, acceptable methods for confirming fungal involvement include use of dermatophyte test medium or a potassium hydroxide test. Onychomycosis results in cosmetically unacceptable nails that are dystrophic, lytic, thick, painful and discolored. The condition can develop as a consequence of tinea pedias, trauma to the nail, an immunocompromised state, or pedicures (removal of the cuticle creates microtears that allow fungus to enter the nail). Treatment options include debridement, oral or topical antifungal therapies, or permanent removal of the toenail with a chemcial or surgical matrixectomy. Simple removal of the toenail without treatment of the fungus will lead to regrowth of the fungal nail. Combination therapy is the most successful approach; for example, results of a 2006 study showed that oral terbinafine plus nail debridement led to higher mycologic cure rates than did treatment with oral terbinafine alone (68% vs. 63%).

Morton Neuroma
This condition develops from enlargement of the third common digital branch of the medial plantar nerve. Pressure from the corresponding third and fourth metatarsal heads and adjacent deep transverse metatarsal ligament causes pain in the third intermetatarsal space. Burning or sharp, shooting pain to the corresponding toes and the sensation of walking on a pebble or a marble are common complaints. Compressive forces on the forefoot (e.g., from wearing shoes with pointed toes or engaging in certain athletic activities) exacerbate these symptoms. A positive Mulder sign (clicking as the neuroma rubs on the adjacent metatarsal heads) can occur on dorsal-to-plantar or side-to-side compression of the forefoot. The diagnosis is best made based on clinical examination or with a diagnostic injection of local anesthetic in the interspace between the metatarsal heads.

Neuromas can also be diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound or nerve conduction studies. Other pathologies that can cause similar symptoms are capsulitis, metatarsalgia, avascular necrosis or stress fractures of the metatarsals, soft-tissue tumors, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and plantar plate ruptures. After diagnosis of the neuroma, the patient should be referred to a podiatrist or other foot specialist for evaluation and treatment. Conservative treatments include padding and strapping, orthotic devices and steriod injections. A less-widely used but successful conservative regimen involves weekly injections of a sclerosing alcohol mixture (a combination of local anesthetic and dehydrated ethyl alcohol). In a 1999 study, 82% of patients who were given weekly sclerosing alcohol injections for 3 to 7 weeks experienced complete relief. If conservative therapies are not sucessful, the neuroma can be excised surgically; however, this will lead to a decrease in sensation in the corresponding digital interspace.

Stress Fractures
Metatarsal fractures commonly affect women during and after the menopausal transition; however, athletes and military recruits also can suffer from the condition. The lesser metatarsals are a common location for stress fractures. Patients complain of persistent pain and swelling in the forefoot and might report recent periods of weight-bearing activity (often involving a particular repetitive motion). Initially, the injury is limited to cortical bone - but, if left untreated, the fracture can extend through the entire bone and even become displaced. Although conventional radiographs might be negative for the first 21 days after injury, bone scans or MRIs can reveal the fracture earlier. One study that included 37 female athletes (primarily runners) showed that 47% of stress fractures were identifiable with initial radiographs, whereas 96% were detectable with bone scans. Successful conservative treatment consists of compressive bandaging and immobilization (surgical shoe, cam walker boot, or cast). To prevent fracture recurrence, modification of physical activities and shoe gear should be addressed; in addition, treatment for bone density loss, if present, is warranted.

Plantar Fasciitis
This inflammatory condition of the plantar fascial band (which courses along the plantar aspect of the foot) is one of the most common foot ailments, accounting for 15% of all adult foot complaints. Pain often is localized to the medial plantar region of the heel. Patients report pain when they stand after periods of rest (poststatic dyskinesia). Typically, a brief period of walking offers some relief.

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include foot structure, obesity, changes in physical activity, and lack of supportive shoe gear. Plantar fasciitis is best diagnosed clinically, but ultrasound and MRI often are helpful for visualizing changes in the thickness or continuity of the plantar fascial band. Radiographs can reveal the plantar calcaneal spur that often accompanies this condition. Several other conditions that can cause heel pain (i.e., nerve entrapments, bone cysts, calcaneal stress fractures, systemic arthritic conditions, and lumbar spine disorders) should be considered if the patient has an atypical presentation or is not responding to conservative measures.

Conservative therapy renders successful outcomes in most patients and usually should be employed for a minimum of 6 months. The best conservative therapy employs a combination of icing, stretching, nonsteriodial anti-inflammatory drug therapy, padding, strapping, custom molded orthotics, night splints, physical therapy, steroid injections, short-term oral steroid therapy, or immobilization with a cast or cam walker boot. When warranted, surgical treatments for this condition include open or endoscopic plantar fasciotomies. Newer therapies that show promise but are not yet widely used include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, cryotherapy, and Topaz coblation (radiofrequency technology).

Conclusion
Several podiatric conditions have higher incidence in women than in men. Early diagnosis of these pathologies can lead to more-focused, successful treatment.

Proper footwear is an important part of an overall treatment program for people with diabetes, even at the earliest stages of the disease. If there is any evidence of neuropathy, wearing the right footwear is crucial.

As a general rule, people with diabetes should choose shoes that:

Accommodate, stabilize, and support deformities, such as Charcot Foot, loss of fatty tissue, hammertoes, and amputations. Many deformities need to be stabilized to relieve pain and avoid further damage. In addition, some deformities may need to be controlled or supported to decrease further progression of the deformity.
Limit motion of joints. Limiting the motion of certain joints in the foot can decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and result in a more stable and functional foot.
Reduce shock and shear. A reduction in the overall amount of vertical pressure, or shock, on the bottom of the foot is desirable, as well as a reduction of horizontal movement of the foot within the shoe, or shear.
Relieve areas of excessive pressure. Any area where there is excessive pressure on the foot can lead to skin breakdown or ulcers. Footwear should help to relieve these high pressure areas, and therefore reduce the occurrence of related problems.

Prescription Footwear

Many diabetics need special prescription footwear. The various types include:

Custom-made shoes. When extremely severe deformities are present, a custom-made shoe can be constructed from a cast or model of the patient's foot. With extensive modifications of in-depth shoes, even the most severe deformities can usually be accommodated.
External shoe modifications. In these cases, the outside of the shoe is modified in some way, such as adjusting the shape of the sole or adding shock-absorbing or stabilizing materials.
Healing shoes. Immediately following surgery or ulcer treatment, special shoes may be necessary before a regular shoe can be worn. These include custom sandals (open toe), heat-moldable healing shoes (closed toe), and post-operative shoes.
In-depth shoes. An in-depth shoe is the basis for most footwear prescriptions. It is generally an oxford-type or athletic shoe with an additional 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of depth throughout the shoe. This extra volume accommodates inserts, or orthotics, as well as deformities commonly associated with a diabetic foot. In-depth shoes are usually designed to be light in weight, have shock-absorbing soles, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to accommodate virtually any foot.
Orthoses or shoe inserts. Also known as orthotics, an orthosis is a removable insole which provides pressure relief and shock absorption. Both pre-made and custom-made orthotics or shoe inserts are commonly recommended for patients with diabetes, including a special total contact orthosis, which is made from a model of the patient's foot and offers a high level of comfort and pressure relief.