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Are
foot problems widespread?
Seventy-five percent of Americans will experience foot health problems
of varying degrees of severity at one time or another in their lives.
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Are
feet complicated?
The foot is an intricate structure containing 26 bones. Thirty-three
joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and tendons hold the structure together
and allow it to move in a variety of ways. Combining both feet makes 52
bones and about one quarter of the bodies entire bone structure. Certified
Pedorthists have extensive training in how feet work.
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Do more
women have foot problems then men?
Women have about four times as many foot problems as men; lifelong
patterns of wearing poorly constructed and improperly fit shoes are often
the culprit. More care taken in purchasing footwear can help prevent some
of the painful foot conditions.
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How far
does the average person walk during a typical day and during their
lifetime?
The American Podiatric Medical Association says the average person takes
8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. Those cover several miles, and they all add
up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime -- more than four times the
circumference of the globe. Proper foot care is important in maintaining a
healthy active lifestyle.
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How
much pressure goes into your foot while you are walking?
There are times when you're walking that the pressure on your feet
exceeds your body weight. When you're running, it can be three or four
times your weight. Shoes that are not suited to your support needs or that
are worn out can lead to foot problems that are otherwise preventable.
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What
tips should I follow when shopping for shoes?
When shopping for shoes, you should take a few things into
consideration. Your feet tend to swell a little during the day, and it's
best to buy shoes that will fit them then. A professional shoe retailer
will measure your feet to help determined the best match of fit, function,
and what type of look you desire. When you try on shoes, try them on both
feet; many people have one foot larger than the other, and it's best to
fit the larger foot.
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What
exercise is safe for your feet and good for your overall health?
All exercise is important however, walking is the best exercise for
your feet. Walking also contributes to your general health by improving
circulation, contributing to weight control and promoting all-around well
being. As with all other activities, a proper shoe matched to your support
needs will ensure the best chance to stay injury free.
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Can
serious medical problems first show up in the feet?
Your feet mirror your general health. Such conditions as arthritis,
diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders, can show their initial symptoms
in the feet -- so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious
medical problems. A Certified Pedorthist can help address the symptoms
that relate to the feet.
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Are all
foot problems hereditary? Are you born with foot problems or do they
develop later?
Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. The
American Podiatric Medical Association believes neglect, and a lack of
awareness of proper care -- including ill-fitting shoes -- that bring on
the problems. A lifetime of wear and tear, plus neglect, accounts for the
fact that seventy five percent of Americans will have some foot problem of
varying degrees at some time in their life.
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What
are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure from skin
rubbing against bony areas when wearing shoes. If the first signs of
soreness are ignored, corns and calluses rise up as nature's way of
protecting sensitive areas. A properly fit shoe or insert will help prevent
these potentially painful occurrences.
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How
much sweat do your feet produce each day?
There are approximately 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet, and
they excrete as much as half a pint of moisture each day. Materials used
in shoes and socks can help keep the foot more comfortable by assisting to
wick this moisture away from the skin.
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What is
a Certified Pedorthist or C.Ped?
A Board-Certified Pedorthist is an individual who has studied foot
anatomy and pathology, biomechanics, shoe construction and modification,
foot orthosis fabrication and materials, footwear fitting,
patient/practice management, and who abides by the Board for Certification of
Pedorthics Code of Ethics outlining responsibilities to the patient, the
physician, the public and the profession. For most C.Peds, hands-on
training in the field is also part of their learning process.
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Who
should use an orthotics?
Because perfect feet are very rare, almost anyone can benefit from
orthotics. They can prevent and alleviate many of the common foot
complications that cause discomfort in otherwise healthy people. Like
eyeglasses, an orthotics adjusts bodily imperfections that inhibit people
from functioning at their maximum physical potential.
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Isn’t
it normal for feet to hurt a little bit?
Your feet should not hurt. Pain is the body's way of warning you
something is wrong. If you ignore your pain without addressing the
condition causing it your situation could become worse. A properly trained
shoe salesperson can help alleviate the symptoms by providing footwear
that is better suited to the needs of your foot.
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How do
orthotics work?
An orthotic is used to bring the ground into even contact with the
rest of the foot. This allows the entire foot to support the weight of the
body. Extra cushioning can be built into the orthotics so that some of the
force does not even reach the foot.
