Foot Pain Making 72 Percent of Americans Fat

Foot Pain Making 72 Percent of Americans Fat

New Survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association Finds Foot Problems are a Major Deterrent to Exercise

Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons and specialists who perform tests like gait analysis (shown above) as part of a comprehensive biomechanical examination.

Bethesda, MD – A staggering 72 percent of Americans say they do not exercise because foot pain prevents them from doing so, according to a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association  (APMA). This finding, when viewed in light of the soaring rates of US obesity as reported by the Centers for Disease Control, makes visiting a podiatrist and addressing foot pain critically important.

The study surveyed 1,000 US adults, ages 18 and older, to gain public opinion on attitudes toward foot health and foot care. Results showed that Americans view their feet as the least important body part in terms of their health and well-being. However, feet were the number one body part to experience pain, even more so than the teeth or skin. As foot pain contributes to a variety of negative health consequences, it is important that Americans seek the care of a podiatrist immediately if problems arise.

The survey results support the launch of the Today's Podiatrist campaign, which increases awareness about the specialized medical training and unique qualifications a podiatrist has in treating the foot and ankle.

“Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons and specialists who treat diseases, injuries and deformities of the foot and ankle,” said APMA president Kathleen Stone, DPM. “We should be part of everyone’s health-care team, but it is especially important for those experiencing regular foot pain to seek care from a podiatrist.”

It is critical that people pay attention to their feet and seek expert treatment for foot problems. A podiatrist can not only help ensure Americans are able to exercise, but also help catch signs of diabetes, arthritis, and nerve and circulatory disorders, which can all be detected in the feet.

To view the survey in its entirety, visit www.apma.org/2011feetsurvey.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com  The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!