T
his month teenagers in Highlands county wore dressy shoes for prom and experienced foot pain. Yet it’s not just limited to a month where high heels and strappy shoes take center stage. Six out of 10 teens are affected by foot pain that keeps them from daily activities at least some of the time, a new nationally representative survey commissioned by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has found.
The survey found that only about half of teens see feet as important to their overall health, but many are living with foot pain. 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.
Foot health is incredibly important to a person’s overall health and wellbeing—especially in the teen years when feet are still growing,” Foot health is incredibly important to everyone’s health and wellbeing. If your teen is experiencing pain, your local podiatrist will work with you to get them back on their feet.
Dr. Olga Garcia Luepschen and the Gentle Foot Care Center are located at 2 Ryant Blvd (on US 27). For further information call 863-314-9255 or www.gentlefootcarecenter.com
Gentle Foot Care Center 