Since we spend so much time on our feet, they take a beating. Over a lifetime, that adds up to about 115,000 miles. The APMA says roughly three-quarters of Americans will experience foot problems at some point.
Women have four times as many problems as men presumably from walking in high heels.
In some people sores develop from a foot injury or poorly fitting shoes. People with diabetes or vascular disease may experience serious foot problems because poor circulation and reduced sensation in the foot can hinder wound healing. In severe cases, a nonhealing sore may lead to gangrene and a need for doctors to amputate a part of the limb. Many people try to self-diagnose and treat their foot problems. Often by the time a patient sees a physician, the condition has existed for years.