Health
Survey reveals women's missteps on foot care
NewsUSA

If two of your friends assisted you with 20 errands in a single day and then helped you walk your dog, would you neglect to appreciate them? Probably not.

But every day, women all over the country do just that; they neglect two of their most dependable friends: their feet.

The American Podiatric Medical Association recently conducted a survey of women between the ages of 18 and 49 and revealed the numerous ways that many women mistreat their feet by failing to take proper care of them when something goes wrong.

“Many of the problems we treat are the result of the dysfunctional relationship women have with their feet,” said Dr. Jane Andersen, an APMA member podiatrist. “Women repeatedly choose to ignore the condition, comfort and grooming of their feet, but if they regularly paid more attention, they could help prevent smaller issues from becoming more complicated ones.”

Among other findings, APMA’s survey reports that nearly three-quarters of women have never visited a podiatrist, even though 82 percent have suffered from a foot ailment.

In the wake of these findings, many podiatrists are hoping to draw attention to some of the easiest ways that women can make sure their feet are healthy and well-managed.

According to the APMA, simple grooming measures such as moisturizing can go a long way to-ward better foot health. Yet the survey found that 72 percent of women spend less money on their feet than any other body part as it relates to grooming.

Avoiding uncomfortable or ill-fitting footwear can also help prevent future disorders, especially for the reported 65 percent of women who have not had their feet measured for shoes within the last five years, despite the fact that the shape and size of feet can change over time.

“As women age, the vast majority will have some arthritic changes in their feet due to footwear damage,” said Dr. Marlene Reid, an APMA member podiatrist. “Hopefully being aware of this will make women think twice before they slip on a pair of uncomfortable shoes.”

For more information on foot care, visit www.apma.org.