Podiatric Care Reduces Risk of Opioid Abuse

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At NY Foot Health, we share the concern about the opioid epidemic here in NY and throughout our country. Consider the following alarming statistics:

  • In just one year (between 2014 and 2015) the number of drug-related overdose deaths in NY increased by 20%

  • Prescription opioids and illicit drugs were involved in 33,091 deaths in 2015—that number represents a quadruple increase since 1999

It’s no wonder that the New York State Prevention Agenda has identified substance abuse prevention as a high priority area of focus. A podiatrist has ways of reducing their patients’ risk of opioid use through the treatment of lower extremity medical problems.

An Unfortunate Series of Events

Sadly, almost everyone knows someone who started with a medical problem that was treated with narcotic painkillers and eventually led to an addiction. Good podiatric care and treatment can help prevent or relieve pain in the feet and other parts of the body. Pain from the back and podiatric issues are a common reason for pain medication prescriptions and are interrelated. Consider these positive outcomes for patients who receive services from a podiatrist:

  • Among the 20% of New Yorkers with back pain, there was an 11% reduction in the chances of an opioid drug being dispensed

  • Patients who had a back and podiatric-related pain diagnosis saw a 28% decrease in the chances of an opioid drug being prescribed

In the end, being treated by a podiatrist for a pain-related condition may reduce opioid dispensing for approximately 18,000 people a year. If you don’t have a podiatrist currently, we can help you find one in your community through our online directory.

The Back/Foot Connection

As the old song goes, “the leg bone’s connected to the thigh bone,” and so on all the way up to your back. If you are currently experiencing back pain, consider that it may stem from a podiatric condition. Some questions to consider:

  • Are you standing on hard surfaces 4+ hours a day?

  • Do you have any known foot issues such as bunions, flat feet, or corns?

  • Do your shoes show an uneven wear pattern?

  • Have you sustained a foot, knee, or leg injury in the past?

If so, you should make an appointment to see a podiatrist. The podiatrist has many options treatment options available, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, exercises, and shoe modifications—all of which may ultimately reduce back pain. To learn more about podiatric issues and how they impact your overall health, contact us.

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