Do you know how many steps the average adult takes every day? The number may surprise you, as it’s 4,000-to-6,000 steps.
As a result, it may not be surprising to learn that many adults experience some type of issue with their feet. In fact, 75%-to-80% actually have some type of foot problem.
Were you aware that your feet are made up of 52 bones? They also have 250,000 sweat glands for every square inch. If you’re also curious about how much your feet perspire, it’s approximately one-half pint per day. This is for the average pair of feet, however.
It’s interesting to note that men actually have fewer foot problems than women. In fact, women have four-times more issues with their feet. One of the primary reasons for this is because many women tend to wear high heels. When you consider all the walking that an average person does over the course of a day, this can put a strain on their feet as well as their back.
Every year, back pain causes both men and women to miss a combined total of 44 million days of work. In addition to women’s proclivity to wear high heels, there are likely other contributing factors for back pain. While men might not be wearing shoes that properly support them, there may also be other contributing factors for their back pain as well.
In the United States, an estimated 60% of reported foot and ankle injuries in people over 17 consisted of ankle sprains and strains. There are different ankle sprain grades, which can be assessed by a foot and ankle specialist. Sports injuries are a common reason for these types of issues.
If you haven’t visited a podiatry clinic or podiatrist’s office before, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, these doctors and/or surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating issues that occur with feet and ankles. They focus on related leg structures as well, because the joints are all connected.
Podiatrists provide diagnoses and treatment for foot pain that arises from these and other problems:
- Corns and calluses: 82%
- Toenails: 65%
- Bunions: 63%
- Flat feet or fallen arches: 46%
- Toe and joint deformities: 43%
Podiatrists also assist clients that have osteoarthritis, which is considered to be the most common type of arthritis. This tends to present in adults over 45, and affects approximately 20.7 million Americans.
According to the College of Podiatry, osteoarthritis occurs when a joint’s cartilage deteriorates, and “the bone underneath can thicken, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.” While the most affected joints are knees, hips, and hands, it can also manifest in big toes.
If you’re planning to make an appointment at a podiatry clinic or podiatrist’s office because you’re experiencing one or more of the issues above, be sure to also ask them about footwear. Wearing the proper type of shoes may make a major difference in how comfortable you are when you walk.
