For many of us, our feet are the furthest things from our minds, both physically and mentally. We expect they'll be uncomfortable at times, and we put up with it when they hurt. But healthy feet are fundamental to the quality of our lives. They are wondrously engineered and often the indicators of our overall health, so we need to look after them.
Today's podiatrists are highly trained physicians and surgeons focusing on the foot and ankle and should be an important part of your health-care team. Meet just a few of these physicians, surgeons, and specialists below!
Click on an area of the foot to find out what could be causing your pain! It could be:
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. A bunion can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a “bunionette.”
Read More >A hammer toe is a contracture, or bending, of the toe at the first joint of the digit. This bending causes the toe to appear like an upside-down V when looked at from the side.
Read More >A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is actually a break in the bone.
Read More >Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Achilles tendinitis, or an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is one of the most common causes of foot or ankle pain.
Read More >The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot. Like all bones, it is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and cause heel pain.
Read More >Haglund's Deformity is a bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone. Sometimes it's called “pump bump” because the deformity often occurs in women who wears pumps.
Read More >In 2010, 2.3 million fall injuries sent older people to emergency rooms.
Selecting the proper footwear can help improve balance and prevent falls. Learn More >
Winter boots should provide excellent support, particularly in the arch, to help avoid injury.
Need a new pair? Look for boots and other footwear that is APMA Accepted. Learn More >
30% of American adults who have had a bunion visited a podiatrist.
Think you should see your podiatrist? Check out the symptoms of bunions before you make your appointment. Learn More >
If socks are too small they can bunch the toes together. That friction can cause blisters or corns to develop.
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop to protect that area from irritation. Learn More >
Approximately 64% of Americans confess they wear shoes that hurt their feet.
Want to reduce foot pain? Find out about footwear that is APMA Accepted. Learn More >
Regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates for patients with diabetes between 45 and 85%!
Today's podiatrist is using high-tech tools like 3-D printing and smart textiles to outsmart diabetes. Learn More >
Orthotics can be used in ski boots or skates to help control the foot's biomechanical movement.
Orthotics are specially-made devices designed to support and comfort your feet. Learn More >
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older people.
Improved balance can help reduce the risk of a fall. Learn More >
43% of adults wish their feet didn’t hurt as much at the end of the day.
Want to reduce foot pain? Find out about footwear that is APMA Accepted. Learn More >
The Hispanic population has 66% increased risk of developing diabetes compared to other ethnicities.
Learn how to take control of diabetes and the effects it can have on your foot health. Learn More >
It's best to schedule a pedicure first thing in the morning.
Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. Learn More >
77% of adults experience foot problems at some time in their lives
Experiencing pain or a problem with your feet? Learn about treatment options. Learn More >
56% of women wear supportive shoes to care for their feet.
Want to wear more comfortable shoes? Find out which brands and styles are APMA Accepted. Learn More >
Getting a pedicure and manicure? Don't use the same tools for both services.
Bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes. Learn More >
Bunions can occur at the base of the big toe or on the outside of the foot behind the little toe (called a bunionette).
Want to know more? Find out the difference between a bunion and a bunionette. Learn More >
Of the more than 26 million people in the US with diabetes, about half will develop neuropathy.
With proper foot care from today's podiatrist, you can manage the effects of diabetes on your feet. Learn More >
13% of American adults have experienced bunions.
Curious if you have a bunion? Find out how to spot the symptoms. Learn More >
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation.
These amputations can be prevented! Have your feet checked regularly by a podiatrist. Learn More >
32% of adults have experienced sweaty feet.
Tend to sweat more than others? Consider adding foot powder and extra foot baths to your regimen. Learn More >
More than 8% of the U.S. population has diabetes.
Today's podiatrist is staying a step ahead of diabetes using cutting-edge technologies. Learn More >
Causes of bunions include foot injuries, too-tight shoes, and neuromuscular disorders.
Worried you are hurting your feet? Find out more about bunions and how to prevent them. Learn More >