Highlights
Overview
Foot pain is a very common problem. About 75% of people in the U.S. have foot pain at some time in their lives. Most foot pain is caused by shoes that do not fit properly or force the feet into unnatural shapes (such as pointed-toe, high-heel shoes).
The force exerted on the foot with each step is about 50% greater than the person’s body weight. In a typical day, the feet support several hundred tons.
The elderly have a very high incidence of foot pain, reported at 87% in one study.
Shoe Size Changes
Wearing correctly sized shoes could cure many foot pain problems. Feet change in size during the day (larger late in the day) and with the weather (smaller during cold weather). In addition, the size and shape of feet change with age. Older people should not assume they wear the same size shoe as when they were younger. Before buying new shoes, they should have their feet measured.
Diabetic Foot Problems
Most hospitalizations of people with diabetes are due to foot problems. Several factors commonly affecting diabetic patients can cause serious foot problems, such as poor circulation that inhibits wound healing and nerve problems leading to decreased sensation in the feet and legs.
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 82,000 lower extremity amputations related to diabetes were performed in 2002. The incidence of amputation among people with diabetes is 10 times that of people who do not have the condition. However, vigilant foot care could reduce the risk of amputation by 44 - 85%.
Foot Injuries
Foot injuries are very common and often result from athletic activities. It is important to wear the right shoe for the specific sport. For example, a running shoe that is cushioned may not offer the support necessary for playing tennis.
Many foot injuries can be treated by the individual without a doctor’s care. Injuries such as sprains and strains can benefit from the “RICE” treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
