Foot Health

Do your feet hurt? Does it bother you when you walk or run? Are you tired of pain and discomfort in you feet? Do your shoes bother you? Are your feet or toes becoming disfigured? Do you live with foot pain, assuming that it's simply a part of life? Then you may be surprised to learn that your feet are not supposed to hurt.

While most Americans suffer from foot pain, only a small percentage of the population is actually born with foot problems.

"It's neglect, and a lack of awareness of proper care -- including ill-fitting shoes -- that bring on the problems," warns the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Foot problems can be very painful. They can also be debilitating, affecting your mobility, independence and every aspect of your life. In addition, foot problems can be a sign of major health concerns. Therefore, you should take problems with your feet seriously. If you are physically active or older than 50, the APMA urges that you get your feet checked to avoid unnecessary disabilities.

Who has foot problems?

Nearly everyone. Seventy-five percent of Americans will have some type of foot problem. About 20 percent of the population has more than one foot health problem every year. About 5 percent of Americans visit a podiatric physician ("podiatrist" or foot specialist) every year. Millions visit podiatrists, primary care doctors, orthopaedists, internists and physical therapists for their foot-related problems.

What's more:

• If you are female, you are vulnerable to four times as many foot problems as men, particularly if you usually wear high heels.

• If you are poor, you have a higher probability of foot health problems.

• If you are older than 50, you have probably walked more than 75,000 miles. Natural wear and tear on the feet and ankles can develop into debilitating conditions if left untreated.

What types of foot problems are common?

According to the APMA, here are the most common foot problems. See your podiatric doctor if any of these conditions persist:

• Athlete's foot
• Blisters
• Bunions
• Corns and calluses
• Foot odor
• Hammertoe
• Heel pain and heel spurs
• Ingrown toenails
• Neuromas
• Warts

What causes foot problems?

Most conditions of the feet are caused by neglect and abuse, such as wearing improperly fitted shoes. Other conditions are symptoms of more serious disorders, such as diabetes, arthritis and circulatory problems. Though less common, there are congenital malformations and disabilities. Deformities of this nature may include flatfoot, caused by weakened muscles and ligaments of the arch, and talipes or clubfoot, which is caused by the shortening of muscles and tendons.

Sources:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

American Podiatric Medical Association. General Foot Health. Accessed April 20, 2007.

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.