#Japan #Tokyo #Orthotics #Feet In Design #Foot Pain Survey

Understanding the Response to Foot Pain: A Survey by ORTHOTICS

Foot pain and discomfort are common issues that many individuals face. A recent survey conducted by Feet in Design, a company based in Tokyo, Japan, highlights a concerning trend: approximately 30% of respondents do nothing when experiencing foot pain or discomfort. This article delves into the findings of the survey, which focused on adults aged 20 to 50 who have encountered foot pain within the last year, and aims to raise awareness about the importance of addressing these issues properly.

Context of the Survey

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have adopted remote work, leading to an increase in sedentary lifestyles and a notable decline in physical activity. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average daily steps for individuals over 20 have decreased over the past decade, with men averaging 6,628 steps and women 5,659 steps. This decrease in movement can contribute significantly to foot pain and discomfort.

Moreover, many people opt to rely on personal and informal remedies, thinking that the pain will resolve itself over time or using over-the-counter supports and massages as a solution. This lack of appropriate response can lead not only to the persistence of foot pain but also potentially to complications in other parts of the body, such as the knees or back.

Survey Highlights

The survey conducted by ORTHOTICS revealed key insights about public behavior regarding foot pain:

• - Approximately 30% of individuals do not address their foot pain and choose to leave it untreated.
• - Among those who do respond, a large majority rely on over-the-counter creams or patches to manage their pain.
• - Only about 15% of respondents reported that their pain completely resolved following their attempted remedies.
• - When asked about preferred future action for potential foot pain, the top three responses were: 1) using over-the-counter creams or patches, 2) visiting an orthopedic clinic, and 3) using taping techniques.
• - For maintaining foot health, the majority stated they focus on stretching regularly and staying active.

Detailed Results

In assessing the responses, the survey first asked whether participants took any action when faced with foot pain. An overwhelming 68.9% confirmed they did take some form of action, while 31.1% admitted they disregarded the discomfort. For those who addressed their pain, the survey provided insight into their specific methods:

• - The foremost method was the use of commercial creams or patches at 63.6%.
• - Other responses included various personal approaches at 20.6% and changing shoes or insoles at 18.4%.

Upon evaluating the effectiveness of these methods, it was found that 64.0% felt a slight improvement, 21.1% noticed no change, and only 14.5% experienced complete relief from their pain. Clearly, many are still struggling to find effective remedies, highlighting a gap in addressing this issue.

When considering future responses to foot pain, it was interesting to note that individuals are still inclined toward self-medication with over-the-counter products (61.8%), consulting orthopedic professionals (36.8%), and utilizing taping techniques (21.1%).

Daily Foot Health Practices

Additionally, when queried about their daily practices for maintaining foot health, 25.4% emphasized the importance of regular stretching, while 24.6% mentioned the need for consistent physical activity. A surprising 20.2% of respondents reported that they do not have any particular focus on their foot health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings from the ORTHOTICS survey reveal a troubling trend where a significant portion of individuals ignore foot pain and choose to self-manage their condition often with limited success. The over-reliance on commercial pain relief products appears to lead to merely temporary relief for most, emphasizing the necessity for more effective treatments.

The ORTHOTICS brand, developed by Feet in Design, offers a solution that addresses the root causes of foot discomfort. Their orthotic devices are tailored to individual foot structures and are designed to support proper alignment and health. By focusing on a comprehensive approach rather than temporary fixes, individuals can hope to alleviate their foot pain more effectively.

For additional information on ORTHOTICS and their offerings, visit Feet in Design.