An early morning rush across Ohio University's 1800-acre campus may instigate a day's worth of aching foot pain, but recent studies have found that this everyday wear and tear could lead to future foot complications.
According to a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Associates, 47 percent of men and women between the ages of 18-60 have experienced a foot ailment in their lifetime. While most people do not experience pain until later in life, complications can begin as early as your 20s and 30s, said Enrico Tan, a podiatrist at the Athens Foot Clinic.
Foot pain is not uncommon as people get older and, in some cases, it has been found to be hereditary, he said. But other aspects do contribute to complications and prevention is possible at a younger age.
High Heels
Senior Courtney Wilson and freshman Rachel Olsheski said that they wear high-heeled shoes about twice a week, establishing that the weekend is a prime time for flashy footwear.
Unfortunately, high heels can cause the development of bunions, Tan said. The pressure placed on the foot and the excessive rubbing on the outer bones result in bone deposits that bow the side of the foot, he added.
Just be practical with dress shoes
Tan said, suggesting a lower heel and a square toe.
Flip Flops
Wearing flip-flops, particularly on the uneven terrain of campus, can have a huge effect on the arches of our feet, Tan said.
People with high arches are at a greater risk of ankle sprains, he said. But flip-flop wearers are more likely to experience lower leg and knee pain, complications that come with flat feet, he said.
Shoe Sizes
Walking around campus with shoes that are too small or too big can also cause discomfort. Hammertoes are usually associated with shoes that are too small, Tan said. But feet tend to shift in shoes that are too big, resulting in an uncomfortable misalignment, he added.
While Tan stresses the importance of getting your feet measured for the appropriate shoe, Wilson and Olsheski both said that it has been at least five years since they were fitted for the proper shoe size.
Ankle Injuries
Senior Jon Kanyok said that being active has caused numerous ankle sprains over the years. As a result, he suffers from calcium deposits that prevent him from running without experiencing pain the next day.
Excessive sprains such as this may lead to future ankle weakness and arthritis in both the foot and the ankle, Tan said. The best way to prevent complications is to prevent ankle injuries by wearing high tops and ankle braces during physical activity, he said. 1
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Laura Service
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