The cost of foot surgery to correct foot problems from tight-fitting shoes is $2 billion a year. If time off from work for the surgery and recovery is included, the cost is $3.5 billion
By: John Stanoch, DPM
Spring and warmer weather herald the season for sandals. Proms and graduation ceremonies mean that the winter boots have truly, finally made their way to the back of the closet, and the strappy heels and open-toed shoes are now front and center. It should be a happy season for feet, one of the hardest working parts of the body, but for millions of Americans who suffer from foot problems, the phrase "footloose and fancy free" may be a difficult concept to enjoy.
One out of every 6 people, or 43.1 million people in the United States, suffers from foot problems, with 36 percent of them serious enough to warrant medical attention. These problems also come with a price. The cost of foot surgery to correct foot problems from tight-fitting shoes is $2 billion a year. If time off from work for the surgery and recovery is included, the cost is $3.5 billion.
Women, especially, are prone to suffering from foot problems. The chief culprit is shoes that do not fit properly. Consider these painful facts:
Women are nine times more likely than a man to develop a foot problem because of improperly fitting shoes.
Nine out of 10 women’s foot deformities can be attributed to tight shoes they are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet.
Eight out of 10 women say their shoes are painful.
Seven out of 10 women have developed a painful foot deformity.
The human foot is a complex structure made up of numerous joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. In fact, it contains 28 bones, 33 joints and 111 ligaments, which bear the full weight of the body through an average of 5,000 steps a day. Over a lifetime, feet carry the normal ambulatory person through an average of 50,000 miles.
Consequently, how active we are, how we treat our feet, what kind of shoes we wear, and how we take care of our overall health, will determine how well our feet carry us into the future.
Age is a factor in foot health as well. The younger foot recovers more easily from minor injuries. Foot complaints become more common as we get older and our feet become less resilient.
Here are some of the most common foot problems.
Achilles Tendonitis is irritation and inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel bone. Athletes may be afflicted if they do not warm up properly or over-train. The condition may also be caused by an improperly fitted shoe that rubs the shoe counter against the back of the ankle. Rest, ice or anti-inflammatory medication can help, but a persistent condition should be seen by a health care professional.
Bunions are misaligned toe joints that can become swollen and tender. They most commonly occur on the big toe. While the condition is largely hereditary, it can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow. Surgery may be recommended in the most severe cases. The risk of developing a bunion increases by 200 percent over the age of 65.
Corns and calluses are areas of thick, dead layers of skin. Corns are smaller and pinpoint in shape, while calluses tend to be broader and not as deep. They are most commonly caused by the repeated wearing of tight, ill-fitting shoes, especially high heals. They may also be caused by obesity or problems with gait. Thick socks, pads and orthotics may help temporarily, but if they persist, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Hammertoe is a condition in which the toe, usually the second toe, is bent in a claw-like position. Avoid cramping the toes by wearing shoes and socks that fit properly and allow breathing space. This is another condition where such temporary interventions as shoe inserts or pads may help, but surgery may be necessary if the problem persists.
Ingrown toenails are nails that dig painfully into the surrounding skin. They may result from nails that are not trimmed properly. Other factors are pressure from ill-fitting shoes, injury, infection or even heredity. Clip your nails straight across and make sure you wear the right-sized shoes. Women are 50 percent more likely to have ingrown toenails because of the shape and style of their shoes.
Plantar fascitis is commonly known as heel pain, the result of inflammation of the plantar tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The pain on the bottom of the feet is irritating but rarely serious. It can take six months or longer for the condition to go away.
Neuromas are enlarged benign nerve growths that most commonly occur between the third and fourth toes and are caused by the bones pinching together. The tissue ends up rubbing against the nerves and irritating them. Ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure are the most common causes.
There are many maladies that can affect our feet, but one of the easiest ways we can control the health of our feet is by wearing the right size and type of shoe. Your feet may also be affected by the state of your general health. Being overweight may create problems with the heels and arches. Diabetes, osteoporosis, poor circulation and arthritis can also affect foot health. Any kind of pain, swelling or problems with the feet or any other part of the body should be brought up with your physician. By examining your feet, your podiatrist may be the first to recognize another health issue.
To find a physician with Princeton HealthCare System, visit www.princetonhcs.org or call (888) 742-7496.