A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop foot pain with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing foot pain. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your health care provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for foot pain include the following:
Age
Nearly everyone who wears shoes has foot problems at some point in their lives. Those who are slightly greater risk, though, include children and the elderly.
Children – foot pain is fairly common in children. Heel pain is common in very active children between the ages of 8 and 13, when high-impact exercise can irritate growth centers of the heel.
The elderly – elderly people are at very high risk for foot problems. With age, feet widen and flatten, and the fat padding on the sole of the foot wears down. Older people's skin is also dryer, thinner, and may have less blood supply. Foot pain can be the first sign of trouble in many illnesses related to aging, such as arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory disease.
Gender
Women are at higher risk than men for severe foot pain, probably because of wearing high-heeled shoes, and possibly because of wearing shoes that may be too narrow.
Older women – severe foot pain appears to be a major cause of general disability in older women. In one study, 14% of older disabled women reported chronic, severe foot pain, which played a major role in requiring assistance for walking and with daily activities.
Pregnant women – pregnant women have special foot problems from weight gain, swelling in their feet and ankles, and the release of certain hormones during pregnancy that cause ligaments to relax. These hormones help with child bearing but can weaken the soft tissue structure of the feet.
Occupational Risk Factors
An estimated 120,000 job-related foot injuries occur every year, and about one-third of them involve the toes. A number of foot problems have been attributed to repetitive use at work. These include:
Arthritis of the foot and ankle
Toe deformities
Pinched nerves between the toes
Plantar fasciitis
Adult acquired flat foot
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
No studies, however, have scientifically distinguished between injuries due to work and those due to regular use.
Sports
People who engage in regular high-impact aerobic exercise are at risk for plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, sesamoiditis, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures.
Medical Conditions
Certain conditions increase the risk of having foot pain, these include:
Diabetes – people with diabetes are at particular risk for severe foot infections, due to impaired circulation, and must take special precautions.
Excess weight – anyone who is overweight puts increased stress on his or her feet and is at risk for foot or ankle injuries.
Other medical conditions – many other medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, predispose people to foot problems, as do some inherited abnormalities.
Smoking
A 2000 study reported that smokers are at higher risk for blisters, bruises, sprains, and fractures, most likely because they tend to be less fit than nonsmokers. They also may heal less quickly, which affects some foot surgeries.
Sources:
American Diabetes Association
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
American Podiatric Medical Association
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
