MD Podiatrist Discusses How Hormonal Changes Affect Older Women’s Feet

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Hormonal changes – especially the drop in estrogen, directly affect the tissues that keep the foot stable, cushioned, and pain-free. Estrogen supports collagen, joint cartilage, bone density, nerve sensitivity, and the plantar fat pads that provide natural shock absorption. As levels decline, support structures lose strength, the fat pads under the heel and forefoot thin, shock absorption decreases, arches can weaken, cartilage wears faster, bones become more prone to stress injury, and some women develop burning or hypersensitive feet.”

“Women can be proactive by staying active to preserve strength and circulation, maintaining a routine of stretching and strengthening, following a bone-healthy diet, and wearing shoes with solid structural support and cushioning. Most importantly, when alignment and stability begin to change, proper biomechanical support becomes essential to reduce strain and prevent many of the problems that commonly develop during this stage of life,” says Dr. Michaels.