The Structure of Your Feet
The human foot is a marvel of engineering, with 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to provide strength, flexibility, and balance. Understanding this intricate structure is key to recognizing how different parts contribute to foot problems. The foot is divided into three sections: the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot.
Understanding Foot Problems
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A bony bump at the base of the big toe caused by misalignment, often exacerbated by genetics, tight shoes, and overpronation.
Hammertoes
A deformity causing bent toes due to muscle imbalance, tight shoes, trauma, or arthritis.
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia (tissue connecting heel to forefoot) due to foot mechanics, tight calves, or heel spurs.
Morton’s Neuroma
Thickened nerve tissue, usually between the third and fourth toes, caused by metatarsal pressure, tight ligaments, or footwear.