Our feet pay a price to get us moving.\u00a0 They endure the surface challenges tread upon, the constraints of footwear, and the pressure from our upper body.\u00a0 What happens when they eventually suffer the effects of use or even abuse?\u00a0 Foot problems can happen suddenly or gradually as a result of disease, disability, or poor personal care.\u00a0 But, neglecting the care of your feet is not only your problem, it is everyone’s problem.<\/p>\n
The U.S. spends the most of any nation on health care but ranks low in life expectancy.\u00a0 With diabetes being the fastest-growing chronic disease in the country, the cost of treating it is also soaring.\u00a0 According to the American Diabetes Association<\/a>,\u00a0 diabetes-related costs totaled $245 billion in 2012 from $174 billion in 2007.\u00a0 Foot problems contribute to this cost because it is a common cause of hospitalization due to foot ulcerations, infections, and amputations.<\/p>\n Health disparities among minorities here in Monroe County, New York are alarming.\u00a0 In a recent newspaper story\u00a0 ‘Racial disparity on health issues is everyone’s problem’<\/a> in Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle:<\/p>\n Unfortunately, these statistics are similar in other areas of the country as well.<\/p>\n Reducing the health care burden due to diabetes requires awareness of podiatric services that help prevent loss of limb and life.\u00a0 It is even more crucial to reach populations most at risk of foot complications.\u00a0 A survey commissioned by the American Podiatric Medical Association<\/a> (APMA) found that 90% of U.S. Hispanics with diabetes or at risk have not visited a podiatrist for essential foot care.\u00a0 The APMA informs that having the feet examined can reduce amputation risk by 45-85 percent.<\/p>\n At-risk groups, as well as the general public, need to know why foot care is so important.\u00a0 Everyone needs foot health awareness.<\/p>\n THINGS THAT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS FOOT PROBLEM<\/p>\n\n