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Loading...6 in 10 Teens Have Foot Pain
- Ann Pietrangelo
- April 9, 2012
- 1:03 pm
- 46 comments
A lot of adults suffer from foot pain and discomfort for a variety of reasons, but did you know that six out of 10 teens have foot pain, too? A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) shows that
- sports are the number one cause of foot pain among teens;
- two out of 10 teens suffer from pain due to wearing high heels and other uncomfortable footwear; and
- less than two out of 10 teens have ever seen a podiatrist to treat foot problems.
“Foot health is incredibly important to a person’s overall health and wellbeing — especially in the teen years when feet are still growing,” said Joseph M. Caporusso, DPM, APMA president. “Our survey found that only about half of teens see feet as important to their overall health, but many are living with foot pain. It’s vital that we educate teens on how to properly care for their feet and when to visit today’s podiatrist, the foot and ankle expert.”
APMA’s survey collected the opinions of 1,000 teenagers on their attitudes toward foot health, foot care, and their knowledge of and experience with podiatrists. Among the key findings:
- Almost half reported that playing a sport was the cause of their foot pain. Seventy-five percent of high school students play a school or recreational sport, and nearly 40 percent of that group has injured their feet while participating in sports.
- Not surprisingly, gender differences were also found to play a role in how teens care for their feet. Two out of every 10 teens suffer from pain from uncomfortable shoes — girls more than boys. It’s all about the type of shoes — high heels are the most painful, reported by 64 percent of girls who took the survey.
Helpful advice from the APMA includes:
How to Choose Good Shoes
- Activity: Sports-specific shoes help protect against injury.
- Size: Teen feet are still changing and shoe sizes can vary from one brand to another.
- Support: Make sure your shoes support your feet when you walk. Well-made backless shoes and flip flops are fine, but shouldn’t be worn all the time, and high heels should be reserved for special occasions. Stilettos can be a problem due to lack of stability.
- Maintenance: Check the cushioning, tread, and midsole, and replace shoes that are showing signs of wear and tear.
Basic Foot Care
- Give ‘em a good washing: You’d think this would go without saying, but it is tempting to just swish your feet around in the shower. Podiatrists say it’s important to use soap to remove germs and grime, and it’s important to get in between your toes.
- And a thorough drying: Fungus, like the kind that causes athlete’s foot, grows in moist, damp environments. After your shower, dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between your toes. If your socks get wet during the day, change socks. (Keep an extra pair in your locker or gym bag.)
- Give toenails a little TLC: Toenails that are too long can harbor bacteria. Use a pair of toenail clippers to cut your toenails to just above or at the edge of your toe. Some docs will tell you to cut straight across the nail, but a slight curve is OK too.
Next: Common Foot Problems…and what to do about them
Read more: Beauty, Children, Family, General Health, Hands & Feet, Health, Teens
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Ann Pietrangelo
Ann Pietrangelo is the author of No More Secs! Living, Laughing & Loving Despite Multiple Sclerosis. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and a regular contributor to Care2 Healthy & Green Living and Care2 Causes. Follow on Twitter @AnnPietrangelo
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
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46 comments
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Its sad to know that todays teenage kids face so much problems in there growing age.Its really need to take care of feet as it balance the whole body weight.
http://www.comfortor.de/footproblem.html
Thanks!
ahh well I used to do ballet so I was wearing pointe shoes....yup your feet do kinda hurt then :p lol
Informed...with ,,Thanks..
Good to know. Thanks for the article.
wow
Thanks for the article!
MAYBE IF WE WOULD WEAR SHOES THAT WERE COMFORTABLE INSTEAD OF WHATS IN STYLE!
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