Is Foot Pain Making Us Fat?
Posted by JB Smith, Co-Owner on
Americans have come up with a wide variety of explanations for the obesity epidemic that we currently face. We can blame it on soft drinks or fast food or tv/computer/video games. According to one study, we can even blame it on fatty foods being as addictive as drugs. One thing we might not have previously thought to blame our obesity on? Our foot problems. But the American Podiatric Medical Association recently conducted a study where they learned that a whopping "72 percent of Americans do not exercise because foot pain prevents them from doing so."
Here are some other learnings from the AMPA article:
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.
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.
So if pain in our feet prevents us from being able to work out, it stands to reason that the first step toward getting in shape could be visiting a podiatrist, not joining Weight Watchers. And investing in the right pair of shoes that will keep your feet healthy might be more effective than counting calories.
Does your foot pain keep your from exercising? Let us know in the comments section below!