Do your feet hurt? Does it bother you when you walk or run? Are you tired of pain and discomfort in you feet? Do your shoes bother you? Are your feet or toes becoming disfigured? Do you live with foot pain, assuming that it's simply a part of life? Then, you may be surprised to learn that your feet are not supposed to hurt.

While most Americans suffer from foot pain, only a small percentage of the population is actually born with foot problems. "It's neglect, and a lack of awareness of proper care -- including ill-fitting shoes-- that bring on the problems," warns the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Foot problems can be very painful. They also can be debilitating, affecting your mobility, independence, and every aspect of your life. In addition, foot problems can be a sign of major health concerns. Therefore, you should take problems with your feet seriously. If you are physically active or over 50 years old, the APMA urges that you get your feet checked to avoid unnecessary disabilities.

Who has foot problems?

Nearly everyone. Seventy-five percent of Americans will experience some type of foot problem in their lives. About 20% of the population has more than one foot health problem every year. About 5% of the US population visits a podiatric physician ("podiatrist" or foot specialist) every year. In 1995, 55 million patients visited a podiatrist. Millions more people visited other types of doctors and providers (orthopaedists, internists, physical therapists, etc) for their foot-related problems.

What's more:

• If you are female, you are vulnerable to four times as many foot problems as men, particularly if you usually wear high heels.

• If you are poor, you have a higher probability of foot health problems.

• If you are over age 50, you have probably walked more than 75,000 miles which causes natural wear and tear on the feet and ankles, that can develop into debilitating conditions if left untreated.

What types of foot problems are common?

According to the APMA, each year in the United States:

• About 5% of people have foot infections (including athlete's foot, other fungal infections, and warts).

• About 5% of people have ingrown toenails or other toenail problems.

• About 5% of people have corns or calluses.

• About 6% of people have foot injuries, bunions, and flat feet or fallen arches.

• About 60% of people's foot and ankle injuries (if you are older than 17) are sprains and strains of the ankle.

What causes foot problems?

Most conditions of the feet are caused by neglect and abuse, such as wearing improperly fitted shoes. Other conditions are symptoms of more serious disorders, such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory problems. Though less common, there are congenital malformations and disabilities. Deformities of this nature may include flatfoot, caused by weakened muscles and ligaments of the arch, and talipes or clubfoot, which is caused by the shortening of muscles and tendons.