Podiatrists Keep America Walking

Survey Shows Many Parents Aren't Taking Their Child's Foot Health Seriously

Story Summary:

A new survey shows many health conscious parents aren't taking their child's foot health seriously. Only 25 percent reported taking their children to see a podiatrist for their foot problems. The survey, taken from a group of 620 parents with children under the age of 18, found that 35 percent of those surveyed would not be motivated to take their child to a medical professional if their child complained of foot or leg pain. Only 49 percent of parents surveyed would take their child to a podiatrist's office for ingrown toenails – which, if left untreated, can lead to significant pain and a loss in normal activity.

Medical experts say periodic foot examinations should be conducted during the child's first few years of life if there is a family history of foot problems. Neglecting a child's foot health can cause problems in other parts of the body, such as the legs and back.

For more information, visit www.apma.org/pediatrics

Soundbites

• Misty McNeill, DPM, APMA Member
• Edwin Harris, DPM, APMA Member
• Kristen Gleason, Age 11, Tendonitis patient
• Noemi Swearingen, Age 8, Bilateral club foot patient

B-Roll Includes

• Kids' feet-lifestyle footage
• Stills of foot conditions
• Podiatric exam

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: "American Podiatric Medical Association"