Foot Problems and Menopause: Is There a Connection?
Bunions, hammertoes, corns, Morton’s neuromas. Ouch! When we reach our 40s and 50s, many women learn the hard way what these foot conditions mean and wonder why they’re having these problems all of a sudden. Is it punishment for all those years of wearing high-heeled shoes with pointy toes? Or, can we blame it on Menopause (like everything else that’s out of kilter)?
That’s the question that Dr. Patricia Yarberry Allen, director of the New York Menopause Center, responded to this week in her “Ask Dr. Pat” column on Women’s Voices for Change. She asked two experts – a podiatric surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon –to weigh in on this topic. Their responses are informative and may help you avoid these problems all together. (Hint – it’s often related to menopausal weight gain).
Have you begun to experience problems with your feet?
I took Femara for 5 yrs… stopped 3 yrs ago and have very painful neuroma in both feet… I can’t be sure the Femara caused it, but it’s my #1 suspect…
I have been diagnosed with neuromas in both feet. Very painful. I began having foot pain after starting Femara. ( My first drugs were Arimidex and Aromisin which I could not tolerate.) I also experienced bone and joint pain, but it is now much better. I take Fosamax (35 mg) and Calcium with Vit D. I feel the Femara may be contributing to my foot pain and the neuromas. I have hot flashes, but the rest of the time, I have extremely cold hands and feet. I have lost weight, not gained, with this medication. I am stopping the Femara for the next 6 to 8 weeks. I feel I am low risk for cancer to return and that I can test my theory. Any opinions about the neuromas and Femara?
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