It's the rare person who has not had his or her feet or ankles hurt at one time or another. Tripping along in high heels, standing on hard surfaces for long periods on the job, going barefoot at the beach, playing racquetball in worn-out sneakers - we often unthinkingly jeopardize our feet and ankles.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that one in six Americans - or 43.1 million people - currently have foot problems. Of that number, 36 percent end up calling a physician for medical care.
The cost of surgery to correct foot problems caused by too-tight shoes alone is estimated to be $2 billion annually.
Are you neglecting nagging discomfort in your feet or ankles? Take the following test and find out more about causes, symptoms and treatment of foot and ankle conditions
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It can be normal to have pain or some limitation in activity six months after a bad ankle sprain.
True
False
Incorrect. There is no such thing as a "chronic ankle sprain," and anyone with symptoms lasting more than three or four months should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
Correct! There is no such thing as a "chronic ankle sprain," and anyone with symptoms lasting more than three or four months should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
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Warts on the bottom of the foot stick out and cause pain.
True
False
Incorrect. Rather than sticking outside, plantar warts are pushed inside by the weight of the body.
Correct! Rather than sticking outside, plantar warts are pushed inside by the weight of the body.
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Professional medical attention is needed to cure athlete's foot.
True
False
Incorrect. Over-the-counter powders and medications will get rid of these fungal conditions.
Correct! Over-the-counter powders and medications will get rid of these fungal conditions.
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A 120-pound person places up to 300,000 pounds of stress on the foot during a mile of running.
True
False
Correct! A huge amount of stress is placed across the foot and ankle during weight bearing. Running places more than three times the stress on the foot than does simple walking.
Incorrect. A huge amount of stress is placed across the foot and ankle during weight bearing. Running places more than three times the stress on the foot than does simple walking.
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Surgery is recommended for many foot and ankle problems.
True
False
Incorrect. For the majority of conditions, nonsurgical methods are used. Surgery is often beneficial if conservative care fails.
Correct! For the majority of conditions, nonsurgical methods are used. Surgery is often beneficial if conservative care fails.
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Numbness and tingling in the foot can be a cause for alarm.
True
False
Correct! With some conditions, these sensations may indicate nerve problems that need immediate medical evaluation.
Incorrect. With some conditions, these sensations may indicate nerve problems that need immediate medical evaluation.
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Diabetes sufferers often experience foot problems.
True
False
Correct! The disease can result in nerve damage, poor circulation and a greater risk for infection in the lower extremities.
Incorrect. The disease can result in nerve damage, poor circulation and a greater risk for infection in the lower extremities.
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Smokers increase their risk of foot and ankle conditions.
True
False
Correct! Smoking decreases the blood supply to the feet.
Incorrect. Smoking decreases the blood supply to the feet.
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A broken toe does not require medical treatment.
True
False
Incorrect. Fractures require medical attention. Even a toe fracture should be evaluated to make sure the toe heals in the proper position.
Correct! Fractures require medical attention. Even a toe fracture should be evaluated to make sure the toe heals in the proper position.
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For runners, athletic shoes should be replaced frequently.
True
False
Correct! Athletic shoes should be replaced after every 300 to 400 miles of running.
Incorrect. Athletic shoes should be replaced after every 300 to 400 miles of running.
For more information on women's health matters, any of the programs and services listed, or a referral to a Cedars-Sinai physician or program, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771)
