myFEET Campaign Highlights Importance of Teen Foot Health

New American Podiatric Medical Association survey: six out of 10 teens affected by foot pain, yet most ignore problems

BETHESDA, Md., April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- April not only signals the beginning of prom season for teens across the country, it's also prime time for young adults to be plagued by 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.

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"Foot health is incredibly important to a person's overall health and wellbeing—especially in the teen years when feet are still growing," said Joseph M. Caporusso, DPM, APMA president. "Our survey found that only about half of teens see feet as important to their overall health, but many are living with foot pain. It's vital that we educate teens on how to properly care for their feet and when to visit today's podiatrist, the foot and ankle expert."

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.

The survey's findings have led to the launch of APMA's myFEET campaign during April's Foot Health Awareness Month. APMA has partnered with Spenco on the campaign to emphasize to teens that foot pain of any kind is not normal. Today's podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the foot and ankle. 

For full survey results, visit www.apma.org/teen-feet-survey. For more information on the myFEET campaign and essential tips on foot care for teens, visit www.apma.org/myFEET.

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The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today's podiatrists. 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. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

SOURCE American Podiatric Medical Association