Menopause and Foot Pain

  Staff        December 24, 2021

Menopause is by definition the last natural menstrual period and on average happens at an age of 51 years, but it commonly ranges from 45-55yrs. There are many physiological and psychological changes that accompany that. Some of those changes can increase the risk of the development of pain in the foot. This was confirmed in a study of 106 Spanish women that were aged 45-55 years and used a tool called the Foot Health Status Questionnaire and demonstrated a statistical difference in the amount of foot pain between menopausal and non-menopausal women.
Many of the changes that affect the foot are due to the declining estrogen levels that occur during menopause leading to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury with bone and muscle wasting. The tendons become stiffer and are more prone to injury. All of that can lead to an increased problem with balance and an increased risk for falls. Osteoporosis is more common in post-menopausal women and this increases the risk for stress fracture and fractures in the foot. There is also a significant increase in weight gain following menopause and this will lead to increased loads on foot, increasing the risk for a whole range of foot and ankle problems.
Menopause, per se, does not cause foot pain. What does happen during and after menopause is that a number of the physiological changes that occur increase the risk for the development of a range of both common and uncommon foot problems.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

  Staff        May 14, 2021

Restless Legs Syndrome is an unpleasant nerve condition which is characterised by annoying sensations with the legs with the compelling need to slowly move the legs, generally experienced when attempting to rest. The unusual feeling, commonly in the calf muscles, has been often described as a type of cramp, ache or a creeping, crawling sensation. Some compare the sensation to shooting darts of electricity, or maybe invasive creatures inside the legs. The sensations vary in intensity from not comfortable to frustrating to being painful.

One of the most unique feature of the problem is always that lying down and seeking to unwind causes the restlessness. As a result, most people with restless legs syndrome have a problem falling asleep and also staying asleep. Left untreated, the situation might cause tiredness and also daytime low energy.

Individuals with restless legs syndrome experience uncomfortable sensations within their legs, particularly if sitting or lying down, accompanied by the irresistible impulse to move the lower limb. Most of these sensations usually occur deep within the leg, between the knee and ankle; far more rarely, they appear in your feet, thighs, arms, and even the hands. Although the symptoms may occur on just one side of the body, they usually impact both sides. Since moving the legs reduces the discomfort, those with restless legs syndrome commonly keep their legs in motion to reduce or stay away from the sensations. They will often pace the floor, constantly moving their lower limbs while seated, and move when in bed.

The majority of affected individuals find the sensations of restless legs syndrome to be much less apparent in the daytime and more evident in the evening or during the night, primarily during the beginning of sleep. For some people, the symptoms disappear by early morning, allowing for more refreshing sleep at that time. Other triggering situations are periods of inactivity such as long car trips, sitting in a movie theatre, long-distance flights, immobilisation in a cast, or relaxation exercises.

The reason is not known however people with a family background of restless legs syndrome comprise about 50% of the cases, and sufferers with low iron ranges or anemia, chronic conditions such as renal failure, all forms of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and peripheral neuropathy, plus some women that are pregnant during the final trimester and individuals using particular medications seem to be more likely to to be affected by restless legs syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome can affect anybody of all ages, while the disorder is more prevalent with increasing age. It occurs in both genders, although the incidence may be to some degree higher in women. From time to time those with this will encounter spontaneous reduction on symptoms during a period of months. Although rare, natural improvement over a period of years can happen. If these improvements occur, it is usually while in the initial phases of the condition. In most cases, however, the sensations are more serious as time passes.

Often the clinical diagnosis of restless legs syndrome could be hard to establish. Physicians must rely primarily on patients’ descriptions of the sensations and details using their health background, which includes earlier health conditions, family history, and present medications. Sufferers might well be inquired about frequency, duration, and also intensity of feelings along with their tendency to day sleeping activities and sleepiness, disruption of sleeping, or any daytime functionality. In case a persons history is suggestive of restless legs symptoms, clinical tests is often implemented to rule out other concerns and confirm the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome. Blood testing, studies to determine electrical impulses in the muscles and also nerves, and Doppler assessments to be able to review muscle activity in the legs might well be advised. Such medical tests may establish any kind of related damage or condition in nerves or the nerve roots or any other leg-related movement conditions.