Most Americans Have Foot Pain, But Don't Go To Podiatrist

The American Podiatric Medical Association announced last month the results of its Today's Podiatrist survey, which investigates the public's attitudes towards foot health. The study surveyed 1,000 Americans aged 18 and older and found that the majority of Americans have experienced foot pain (77%), but only one third of them would go to a podiatrist for medical help.
Foot pain is not just a nuisance. It affects how you walk, exercise, work, or play with your children. Foot pain can greatly reduce your involvement with all of these activities, especially when you have chronic foot pain. Half of those surveyed said they had to stop or reduce an activity because of foot pain and that number rose to 83% for those with chronic foot pain. Respondents said they would exercise more (39%) and be more involved with activities (41%) if they were foot pain free.
"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain," said APMA President Frank Spinosa, DPM. "when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing. Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest thing from our minds."
While many people have foot ailments, most do not know to go to a podiatrist for help. The majority of adults speak with their primary care physician (60%) or do a Web search (48%) to seek answers for their foot problem before seeing a podiatrist. 
"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."
When people go to see a podiatrist, they get the help they need. 88% reported that their podiatrist provided a quick and clear diagnosis and 76% said their podiatrist prescribed an effective treatment regimen and/or medication that solved their foot or ankle condition. 
As well, 34% said their podiatrist was able to diagnose and identify another condition they have, like diabetes, circulatory problems, or nerve issues. Most who visited a podiatrist were extremely pleased with the level of service and care they received; more were happy with the care they received from their podiatrist than their primary care physician.
"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."
Reference: News Medical
If you believe you have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.