Think you’re the only one dealing with foot pain? Think again.
According to a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association, the vast majority of Americans have experienced foot pain, but very few are willing to seek out an expert to fix the problem.
The survey polled 1,000 US adults in hopes of getting a better understanding of the nation’s feelings towards foot health and care. The results found that 77 percent of Americans have experienced foot pain, but only 33 percent are willing to seek help from a podiatrist or foot specialist. Researchers also uncovered:
- 50 percent of adults have experienced foot pain that has restricted their daily activities.
- 83 percent of adults with chronic foot pain say pain has restricted their daily lives.
- 39 percent said they would exercise more if they didn’t have foot pain, while 41 percent said they would participate in more activities if they were pain free.
- 60 percent said they’d speak with their doctor about the foot pain, 48 percent said they’d do a web search in hopes of alleviating their pain, while only a third of respondents said they’d visit a podiatrist or foot specialist.
APMA President Frank Spinosa said the survey shows that Americans need to be more conscious about taking care of their feet.
“It’s not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing,” said Dr Spinosa. “Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds.”
However, the answer to the problem is easier than one might think. According to researchers, 88 percent of respondents who visited a foot specialist said their podiatrist was able to provide a clear diagnosis of the problem, and 76 percent said they were prescribed an effective treatment option. Dr. Spinosa noted that 34 percent of respondents said their foot specialist was also able to identify another health related issue.
“Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons, and specialists. They’re ready and able to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities of the foot and ankle, as well as the foot problems Americans experience most often: heel pain, plantar fasciitis, nail fungus, and foot odor,” said Dr. Spinosa. “They can also catch signs of diabetes, arthritis, and nerve and circulatory disorders, all of which can be detected in the feet.”
Dr. Spinosa concluded that foot pain is treatable, and patients shouldn’t fear a visit with a specialist.
“Foot pain is never normal, and it’s critical that anyone experiencing chronic pain seeks care from an expert,” said Dr. Spinosa. “We hope these findings encourage Americans to fight foot pain with the help of today’s podiatrist.”
Dr. Silverman comments
You wouldn’t let an accountant cook your steak or let a chef prepare your taxes, so why rely on the Internet for your foot pain? Visit a specialist. As the survey shows, not only can we quickly identify the problem, we can correct it.
Foot pain isn’t something you should have to suffer through. Do right by your body and see a specialist.
Related source: AMPA