MEDIA RELEASE PR36504
Untreated Foot Pain a Major Health Risk for New Zealanders - Foot Health Week 10-17
October 2009
MELBOURNE, Oct. 9/Medianet International-AsiaNet/--
An Australian study, that found nearly one in five people suffer from foot pain, has
identified a disproportionate number of men, 20-34 years, and young people suffering
from untreated foot pain.
Study co-author, Associate Professor Hylton Menz, says while the findings are
surprising, a perception that podiatry is only for older people could be responsible for
the large number of young to middle-aged people who are unaware of or unable to access
podiatry services.
The president of Podiatry New Zealand Mr Bruce Baxter says while the study was
conducted in Australia, he's sure the situation is the same here.
"My concern is that young people can have very painful feet, but tend to ignore the
problem. However, if they don't get help, they can be at risk of serious health
problems" says Mr Baxter.
"We know that many New Zealanders spend a lot of time on their feet at work and in
their leisure time. As a result, many experience foot and lower-limb pain. Such pain
often interferes with a person's enjoyment of life."
Mr Baxter says the solution for foot pain is to see a podiatrist.
"Podiatrists are tertiary qualified front line health professionals trained to deal
with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical
conditions of the feet and lower limbs," he says.
He says podiatry plays an important role in the maintenance of foot health and should
not be ignored.
"The complex mechanics of feet and the wide range of foot problems demand
professional expertise to correctly assess and manage the causes of foot pain," says Mr
Baxter
About the Australian study
* The study, Predictors of podiatry utilisation in Australia: the North West Adelaide
Health Study, explored patterns of podiatry utilisation in a population-based sample of
people aged 18 years and over living in the northwest region of Adelaide, South
Australia.
Foot problems are highly prevalent in the community; however no large population-
based studies have examined the characteristics of those who do and do not access
podiatry services in Australia.
About The Australasian Podiatry Council
The Australasian Podiatry Council (APodC) is the peak national body for the Podiatry
profession across Australia and New Zealand, representing Member Associations in each
state.
Interviews/information:
Bruce Baxter
Podiatry New Zealand
+64-412-965907
SOURCE: Australasian Podiatry Council
NEWS 
