Teen Foot Health

By Nicole Testani, DPM

A new American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) survey says that six out of 10 teens are affected by foot pain, yet most ignore problems

Six out of 10 teens suffer from foot pain at least some of the time

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

Fewer than two out of 10 teens have ever seen a podiatrist to treat foot problems

Foot health is important to a person's overall health, especially in the teen years when feet are still growing. The survey found that only about half of teens see feet as being important to their overall health, but many are living with foot pain. Teens need to be educated on how to properly care for their feet and when to visit a podiatrist, a specialist in foot and ankle care.

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 survey's key findings

Sports were found to be the number one cause of foot pain in teenagers. Nearly half of those surveyed (46 percent) reported that playing a sport was the cause of their pain. Additionally, 75 percent of high school students play a school or recreational sport, and nearly 40 percent of that group has injured their feet while doing so.

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. When it comes to teen girls, shoe choices are causing pain. High heels are the most painful, reported by 64 percent of girls who took the survey.

For full survey results, visit www.apma.org/teen-feet-survey.

Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. Speak to a podiatrist today to see how they can help with your overall foot health in order to avoid more serious problems in the future.