State of Country's Foot Health Reveals Ancient Truths

America's Aching Feet Can Be Attributed to Poor Foot-Related Decisions

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FootSmart

Aug 23, 2012, 12:13 ET

ATLANTA, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The famous Greek philosopher Socrates once said, "When our feet hurt, we hurt all over." This age-old truth is a driving force for FootSmart, the country's leading retailer of foot health products and comfort footwear.  A pioneer of lower body and foot health, FootSmart has been on a mission to keep consumers moving in comfort for over 20 years.

"As anyone who lives with a foot or lower body condition knows, it is not only bothersome but can be painful and debilitating," says Alan Beychok, president and CEO of Benchmark Brands, parent company of FootSmart.  "Foot fatigue, wear and tear that worsens, or foot pain in general should not be ignored. If left undiagnosed or untreated, these conditions negatively impact leisure activities, work life, and overall quality of life. As a country, we need to start taking better care of our feet. Otherwise they will not carry us for the long haul."

America's Aching Feet
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) suggests that only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems, yet the reality is quite painful for the vast majority of Americans. A recent report by the Institute for Preventative Foot Health (IPFH), titled National Foot Health Assessment 2012, notes that nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults, almost three out of four, have experienced a foot ailment or condition.

Structural defects and medical conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, can certainly lead to foot problems, but foot health professionals agree that the majority of foot pain can be attributed to injury, overuse or poorly fitting shoes.

Top Foot Health Products by Condition
To help ease the pain of Americans' most prevalent foot conditions, FootSmart has prepared its list of top foot health conservative treatment products:

Foot Condition                  

 

Conservative Treatment

Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis

 

Arch Sleeves help raise your foot arch and lower your discomfort.      

Heel Pain/Achilles, Tendonitis 

 

SmartFlexx's rocker design helps heel pain in three 30-second stretches.

Bunions                          

       

Bunion Regulator helps tight tendons and toe muscles stretch overnight.          

Pronation/Supination 

Posture Corrective Heel Cups help lessen the symptoms associated with incorrect walking.             

Hammertoes                

 

Gel Toe Crest helps relieve pressure and friction.

Ball of Foot Pain   

Silicone Plantar Cushions enhance the foot's natural footpad to relieve forefoot pressure.

Overlapping Toes              

 

Toe Alignment Socks comfortably separate toes to help stretch and realign them.

Painfully Cracked Heels, Calluses

 

Total Foot Recovery Cream helps smooth away rough calluses and eliminate cracks or fissures.

Aching Joints, Muscles          

DynaFreeze cold therapy helps relieve stiffness and joint and leg pain.

For more foot health and comfort footwear products by conditions, visit FootSmart.com/ShopByCondition.  For additional foot health facts, view FootSmart's most recent infographic: Oh, My Aching Feet.

SOURCE FootSmart