Even before entering this earth our bones are forming in the womb. Amazing. I love pictures of newborn babies feet, don't you?
But what are in those little feet? Lots of bones, muscles, tendons, etc.
To be a little more exact, the foot/ankle have:
- 26 individual bones
- 33 joints
- Over 100 muscles
- Tendons
- Blood vessels
- Ligaments
- Nerves
- Skin and tissue
What do they do for us? Balance, support, and give us mobility. They are our shock absorbers and propulsion engines. Think of the load they carry!
What do we do for them? KILL THEM!
Our feet work all day whether we sit, stand, run, or walk. They become the most affected part of our anatomy.
Our occupation, activities, health and more importantly our shoes affect the condition of our feet.
Just to name a few foot issues:
- Athletes foot
- Toe nail fungus
- Neuromas
- Metatarsalgia (burning in the ball of your foot)
- Tendinitis
- Corns and calluses
- Warts
- Hammertoes
- Flatfeet
- Ingrown toenails
- Arthritis
- Club feet
- Pigeon toed
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Neuropathy
- Xeorosis(cracked heels)
- Edema
- Gout
Three common categories of feet:
- Flat Feet (tends to be pronated-roll in)
- High Arch Feet (tends to be supinated-roll out)
- Neutral (the goal)
You can have a professional to look at your feet to discover what kind you have. Or you can do a home test by putting your feet in water and then stepping on something that will give you a view of your feet (I've done that after stepping out of the pool). Also, take a look at the bottom of your shoes. How are you "wearing" them? Do you see the bottom wearing down on the inside or outside?
However, in most cases it's best to have someone who is educated on the subject to give you an opinion.
Next: Interesting facts on what's going on with our health concerning our feet, etc. Part Three
Copyright © 2008 by Ellen M. Samples. All rights reserved.
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