Common sense tells us that women's and men's bodies are different. Medical research teaches us that men and women suffer differently from certain types of orthopedic pain. Unfortunately, many women do not realize that they are more vulnerable to certain orthopedic problems than men. Biomechanical, genetic and lifestyle differences between the genders contribute to the disparities in men's and women's pain. In certain cases, treatments may need to take gender-specific issues into account to deliver effective pain relief. Following are some common medical conditions that women suffer from more frequently than men:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Definition: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the name for a group of problems including numbness, pain, tingling, swelling and loss of strength in the wrist and hand. It is often the result of swelling inside the carpal tunnel, which places too much pressure on the median nerve. This may be caused by overuse of the tendons. Symptoms often appear at night.

The Facts: According to the National Women's Health Information Center (www.4women.gov), women are three times more likely than men to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Research suggests that because women's wrists are on average ten percent (10%) narrower, women can be more susceptible to crowding in the carpal tunnel passage. Women also often have jobs or hobbies which require repetitive motion, such as typing at the computer, cashiering, knitting or gardening. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Treatment: Health care professionals often recommend wearing a wrist brace, especially at night, as one part of therapy. Treatment may also include medications, stretching and strengthening specific wrist muscles and changing the position of the wrist while in use. If symptoms persist, a physician may recommend surgery.

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears:

Definition: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments which stabilizes the knee joint by maintaining the shinbone's (tibia's) position relative to the thighbone (femur). Sharp sudden movement, such as a ski accident or landing from a basketball jump, can tear the ACL. Following an ACL injury, one might experience a "popping noise," swelling and a loss of control of the knee joint. This type of injury needs to be diagnosed and treated by a physician.

The Facts: Compared with males, female athletes in specific sports are two to four times more likely to injure their knees, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org).

There are several theories to explain why women have a higher rate of ACL injury. Recent research suggests that women's body positioning during sports, and their over-reliance on their quadriceps muscles (with an under reliance on their hamstrings) are key factors. In addition, women have a smaller femoral notch (the part of the bone where the ACL attaches) which may also contribute to a higher injury rate.

Treatment: A program of strength training and proper landing mechanics are typically recommended to help prevent ACL tears in athletes. If an ACL injury does occur, a health care professional may begin treatment with a R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) program, which may include a knee brace for compression and added stability, or a physical therapy regimen. A consultation with a physician will help determine whether surgery is warranted.

Chondromalacia Patella (Runner's Knee):

Definition: Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patella (aka "Runner's Knee") include pain around or below the kneecap, especially while running, walking or ascending/descending stairs. This condition is caused by abnormal movement of the patella (kneecap) during activities.

The Facts: According to The British Journal of Sports Medicine (http://bjsm.bmjjournals.com) women are twice as likely to have kneecap tracking problems such as chondromalacia patella.

There are numerous interrelated factors which may contribute to "front of the knee pain" involving the kneecap. A woman's pelvis is, on average, proportionately broader than a man's to accommodate the potential for childbearing. As a result, women tend to be more "knock kneed" than men. In addition, the vastis medialis oblique (VMO) muscle tends to be less developed in women than men. Moreover, women may have hip weakness and excessive pronation, which may also contribute to biomechanical misalignment. These differences can put additional pressure on the patella, or kneecap, which can cause pain as the kneecap tracks up and down in its natural groove (patellofemoral groove).

Treatment: Stretching and strengthening quadriceps and hip muscles can be helpful. Runners can try running on softer surfaces, and only gradually increasing the distance and difficulty of runs. When pain flares up, runners should try a lower impact form of exercise till the pain quiets down. As for many athletic injuries, a physician may recommend R.I.C.E. treatment (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), possibly with the addition of a knee support for compression to the injured area.

Arthritis:

Definition: There are over 100 conditions which are sometimes characterized as arthritis, but generally speaking, arthritis affects the joints within the musculoskeletal system.

The Facts: According to the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org), seventy million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis and forty-one percent (41%) more women than men suffer from the condition.

There are a few types of arthritis which affect women more frequently than
men:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis and it affects women more frequently than men, especially in women over 55 years of age. Specifically, women suffer disproportionately high incidences of knee and hand pain due to osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seventy percent (70%) of people with this type of arthritis are women, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Onset usually occurs between 30 and 50 years of age. It is inflammation of the synovium (lining) of the joints and can result in painful damage to the joints.
• Fibromyalgia: This arthritis-related condition also occurs more commonly in women. Symptoms include muscular pain through the body, specific tender points and fatigue.

Treatment: Given that early diagnosis by a physician is an important element in the treatment of arthritis, it is important to understand whether symptoms and medical history are consistent with any of the various types of arthritis.

For Osteoarthritis specifically, most patients under a doctor's treatment will use medications to ease the inflammation, swelling and pain associated with the disease. Additionally, a physical therapy program is often recommended to strengthen muscles, stabilize joints and reduce pain. A knee brace may be recommended to provide light compression and added stability.

Ankle Sprains:

Definition: An ankle sprain occurs when one of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle is stretched or torn. The lateral ligament on the outer ankle is the most prone to injury.

The Facts: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 25,000 people sprain their ankle each day ( http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/).

Considering the types of footwear a typical woman may have in her closet - heels, sandals, flip-flops, mules, slides and flats - it is certainly common sense that women suffer more footwear-induced ankle sprains than men. The higher the heel of a shoe, the more likely the ankle is to be unstable. In addition, women have a narrower heel in relation to the forefoot, and narrower feet overall. Even with athletic shoes, a report from the Oregon Health and Sciences University estimates that women athletes are 25% more likely than men to sustain ankle injuries.

Treatment: It is important to note that once a person has sprained an ankle, it is more likely that they will sprain it again. Even lovers of high heels should realize that they are vulnerable once they have a history of ankle sprains. A program of strengthening and balance exercises may aid in recover. Wearing an ankle support can reduce swelling and support the ankle ligaments.

About the Author

Megan Barclay, M.S., P.T. practices in New York City and is an experienced marathon runner. She is a part of the Wellgate Orthopedic Women Team (W.O.W. Team) which is made up of women health care experts, athletes and fashion designers who have helped turn medical research into products
designed to relieve women's pain.

Wellgate Products, LLC was founded in 2004 on the premise that the biomechanical differences between women and men warrant gender-specific orthopedic products. Wellgate for Women is the first and only line of products that address the different biomechanics and contours of female anatomy. Developed for women by women, the products stylishly incorporate comfortable high-tech materials. For more information or to purchase the products visit www.wellgateproducts.com or www.walgreens.com.

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