The feet of most active people absorb the impact of up to five million pounds every day. But in even the most serious conversations the subject of feet invariably causes snickers. Women in particular are very defensive about their feet.
Most people think of their feet as an intimate part of their bodies.
Patients are always allowed to undress their feet before the doctor enters the room. Many women who are embarrassed to take off their shoes and hosiery feel that by baring their feet they are symbolically taking off their clothes. Consider the erotic overtones of flinging off one's shoes. Even general physicians shy away from examining the feet. Often a doctor will have a patient take off everything but his socks and shoes.