Unsurprisingly, males and females differ biologically, meaning that orthopedic care for men and women varies due to the differences in hormones, connective tissues, and skeletal structure.
Let’s take a look at the most common orthopedic problems women experience. The main orthopedic problems women experience are given below.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease associated with bone density loss, which increases the risk of fractures. Did you know this condition occurs four times more frequently in women than men? It is estimated that 30% of women in the United States have osteoporosis. In men and women, osteoporosis causes an estimated two million bone fractures yearly. After a fall, many women with osteoporosis experience hip, spine, leg, or arm fractures.
“More often than not, these conditions occur more commonly in women, but it’s not to say they cannot affect men as well,” explained Dr. Edith M. Cullen, OSMC. “We encourage you to call your orthopedic surgeon if you are concerned about these conditions. It’s best to be proactive regarding your joint health.”
ACL INJURIES
Women are more prone to Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries because of differences in bone anatomy, muscle strength, and neuromuscular control, leading to pelvic and lower leg alignment. Located in the knee and connecting the top of the lower leg bone (tibia) to the bottom of the thighbone (femur), the ACL is more problematic for women.
“Women generally have a wider pelvis,” Dr. Edith M. Cullen explained. “This means that the thigh bones angle down more sharply than in men, putting more pressure on the inside of the knee.”
ANKLE INJURIES
Because of their build, women tend to be more susceptible to ankle injuries than men.
“This is primarily because of different stabilizing strategies,” explained Dr. Edith M. Cullen. Hence, injuries such as ankle sprains and anterior and posterior tibialis tendonitis are common in women.
In addition, women who wear high heels have seen increased ankle injuries.
NEUROMA
“Women’s feet are structured differently from men’s,” said Dr. Edith M. Cullen. “Their feet tend to be narrower with increased pronation, which leads to the neuroma.”
A neuroma is a benign nerve tumor that most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes. The nerve tissue thickens as it passes under the ligament connecting the toe bones. Ongoing irritation or pressure on the area can contribute to the neuroma.
“Neuroma is preventable,” Dr. Edith M. Cullen said. “The most common cause of neuroma is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.”
FROZEN SHOULDER
You should suspect frozen shoulder when the tissues in the shoulder joint become stiff and inflamed. Frozen shoulders may occur after the shoulder has been immobilized for some time due to an injury or surgery. If you’ve had an injury that makes it difficult to move your shoulder, talk to your doctor about exercises you can do to maintain the range of motion in your shoulder joint.
TRIGGER FINGER
Trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendon in the finger becomes irritated and thickens, leading to nodules that make it difficult for the joint to bend and straighten.
“It is thought that the estrogen changes in women are associated with increased swelling in tendons and joints, making trigger finger (as well as carpal tunnel and osteoarthritis) more common,” Dr. Edith M. Cullen said.
If you are concerned about experiencing these issues, OSMC is here to help. Schedule an appointment at an OSMC office near you—no referral is required!
