Women's Health
Rosewell Clinics Podiatry is a specialised clinic that focuses on women’s health. We believe in empowering women and supporting them to lead confident and active lives. Our knowledge and expertise in women’s health enables us to provide the best possible care for our patients.
Modern medical research has largely overlooked women’s health, with most studies using a male model of health. This means that many findings are then ‘generalised’ for women, without taking into account the specific differences between genders that can impact health and wellbeing. We believe it is important to consider these differences when providing care, in order to best meet the needs of our patients.
There are several factors that make women unique when it comes to health and illness, including reproductive and hormonal factors, as well as physiological differences during different stages of life. For example, women may be less aware of the impact of oestrogen on cardiovascular health, or the increased risks of osteoporosis during menopause.
In terms of podiatric conditions specifically, women are more susceptible to certain problems with their feet and legs, and often suffer from postural problems in their lower back, hips, pelvic region, knees and feet. At Rosewell Clinics Podiatry, we aim to provide the highest quality care tailored specifically to the needs of our female patients. We hope to empower women and help them lead active and confident lives.
As a woman, your health is paramount. And our Director Dr. Jade brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table when it comes to women’s health, from a structural and functional perspective. She has educated herself extensively in pelvic floor programs and retraining, which is essential for women through all cycles of life – especially if you’re thinking about pregnancy, or going through pelvic floor prolapse or diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
Dr. Jade has invested heavily in creating essential programs tailored specifically to women’s needs. So don’t miss out on this imperative training – it will affect approximately 70% of women at some stage in their life. With Dr. Jade’s guidance, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible care for your unique situation.
Factors that increase these risks include:
Low oestrogen levels impact the musculoskeletal system, particularly affecting collagen production (the building block of bones, ligaments, muscle and of course, skin). Reduced collagen levels produce less elasticity and therefore a reduced capacity to repair, which is why women have a higher risk of acquiring soft tissue stress and joint pain.
Laxity, or over-stretching, of ligaments is more prevalent in women, credited to the phases of the menstrual cycle as a result of peak levels of oestrogen and progesterone, and to the hormone relaxin which is present during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The risk of injury can increase by 2.5 times.
The female anatomy and biomechanical alignment (accounting for women’s beautiful curves!), means significantly wider hips, closer knees and a lower arch height index. Women are often more likely to sustain an overuse injury at the knees or feet as a result.
I imagine you know what we’re going to say here! Women’s footwear shaped by the ideals of the fashion industry, has not appropriately taken into consideration the natural shape and needs of a woman’s foot. Narrow fitting shoes that we push and squeeze our feet and toes into causes overload and a multitude of forefoot and ankle pathologies (like bunions). Stilettos and heels over time will shorten the achilles tendon and calf muscles, which can make walking patterns less efficient and more problematic.
Women through all walks of life, embody power, strength, endurance and resilience. Modern society places hefty demands on the shoulders of today’s woman, who increasingly taken on stressful professional roles and active roles in the family home. Women are increasingly likely to de-prioritise themselves and their health, leading to more musculoskeletal injuries, joint pain and skin conditions.