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Aching Feet Could Mean Aching Back, Knees

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(NewsUSA) - When men and women put their best foot forward these days, chances are it hurts.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 75 percent of Americans experience foot problems at some point, with most chalking up the pain to aging. Consequently, few take action by going to a doctor or podiatrist.

However, experts say that foot pain is not normal, and if problems are not treated accordingly, can also translate into aches elsewhere in the body, such as the knees and lower back.

With its strong, durable, yet flexible design, the foot takes us between 8,000 and 10,000 steps each day and endures the force equivalent of several hundred tons per day. Thus, when a foot suffers an injury, other joints such as the lower back can suffer postural imbalances, causing pain in this area as well.

Therefore, it pays to give your feet a little tender loving care. The following tips may spur you to think about ways to treat your feet:

* Pay attention to your feet. As people age, become pregnant and gain or lose weight, the shape of our feet change. If you're having foot pain, a simple trip to the shoe store may help. There, you can get your foot measured and purchase shoes that fit your feet.

* Don't walk barefoot. This increases the risk for injury and infection.

* Try insoles. If the pain persists, you may want to consider using an over-the-counter insert such as Incredisoles (http://www.incredisoles.com). Developed by doctors to relieve foot, knee and back pain, these inserts contain a combination of memory foam and liquid that conform to the shape and contours of the foot. In this way, the insert improves posture, increases circulation to the foot and reduces stress on the joints.

* Use skin creams and footbaths. Skin creams can help maintain softness and pliability, while a warm footbath for 10 minutes two or three times a week will keep the feet relaxed and help prevent mild pain caused by fatigue.