General Foot Facts
On average, humans will take enough steps in their lifetime to walk around the globe 4 times. Each day the average person will take 10,000 steps, this is now the approved target for everyone to achieve to remain moderately active. When we run, the pressure exerted on our feet can exceed 4 times that of our body weight.
Feet change in shape and size during our lifetimes. It is not unusual for a person to have to buy a bigger size as they age as the structures within the foot relax and spread. When buying new shoes, it is advisable that they are purchased in the afternoon as this is when our feet are at their biggest, ensuring the most comfortable and appropriate size is purchased.
Although feet are not often seen as the most attractive part of our anatomy, they are incredibly important for movement and balance and should be given some degree of respect due to the amount of pressure and work they are subjected to in our lifetime.
Basic Foot Anatomy
The foot is split into three main areas; the forefoot, the mid foot and the hind foot. Between them they contain over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons, 26 bones (14 of which are found in the toes alone) and around 33 joints, all combined to make a fairly complex structure. They also contain about a quarter of a million sweat glands, which explains why so many people have such problems managing foot odour.
Due to the nature of the activities that the foot is exposed to, the skin is normally thicker on the feet than anywhere else on the body. In most people, the entire sole of the foot cannot come into contact with a flat surface at any single given time.
The foot is comprised of a highly complex combination of structures that serve to give us balance, stability, movement, carry our weight and act as shock absorbers. Working together, the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, skin and soft tissue all contribute to the complicated mechanisms that allow us to walk, run, and function normally in our lives. The foot is divided into parts with each having its own function; these are the forefoot, the mid foot and the hind foot.
The Forefoot
The forefoot includes the 5 toes, or phalanges, the metatarsal bones, the big toe and its structures, known as the hallux and it is this part that takes almost half of our overall bodyweight and allows us to balance. The joints between the phalanges and the metatarsal bones allow us to assume a normal walking pattern, particularly the joints of the big toe. This area is especially susceptible to injury or developing mechanical problems over time.
The Mid Foot
The mid foot is made up of the 5 tarsal bones, the foot arch and absorbs any harsh impacts on the feet. These bones and joints allow us to walk on uneven surfaces as they change their shape to accommodate their surroundings.
The Hind Foot
This area is comprised of three joints and acts as a link between the foot and the ankle, and is where the bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula meet the foot and ankle. It is these joints that allow the foot to move up and down and from side to side. It contains the largest bone in the foot, the calcaneus.
Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons
Made up of collagen, the tendons and ligaments are vital to the foot and have an appearance of rope, or fibrous bundles. The stronger the tendon or ligament, the tougher and thicker it’s appearance. These structures give feet their flexibility, allow for movement and serve to absorb impact.The large Achilles tendon that is connected to the heel bone gives us movement to raise ourselves onto our toes, whilst the tendons surrounding the toes allow for the toes to bend and stretch. Many of the muscles of the feet work in partnership with those of the lower leg, allowing us to either walk, run or remain static.
Nerves
The purpose of a nerve is to permit us to feel sensations and to send messages to other parts of the anatomy. There are many nerves within the foot, some ensuring we can feel the surface we are walking on, others to tell the muscles when to contract and relax.
Blood Supply
As with all blood vessels, their purpose is to carry oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and to carry away the deoxygenated blood to the lungs where it can be re-oxygenated.
Muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons cannot function if they have an inadequate supply of blood and the soft tissues of the foot would not survive without it.This gives a very brief overview of the basic anatomy of the foot. As it is so complex, it is always at risk of damage and should be protected where possible.Often the subject that makes people turn away in disgust, feet are actually quite interesting parts of our anatomy. There are many fascinating facts concerning feet that most people are unaware of.
Function of The Feet
Feet exist to enable us to walk, run, balance and generally hold our skeleton up. They can accommodate great changes in weight and will adjust their shape and structure depending on the task we are doing.
It is easier to remain mobile rather than standing on our feet all day, as muscular workload is greater when standing still and the pressure is not allowed to build-up in one single area. Due to the enormous pressure we put on our feet, they are susceptible to many aches, strains and complaints.
Common Ailments of The Foot
The feet are susceptible to sustaining damage from their immediate environment as well as developing problems of their own and suffering the symptoms of complaints from elsewhere in the body, such as back problems or metabolic disorders such as gout.
Hard skin, corns, calluses, in-growing toenails, athlete’s foot and foot odour are the most common complaints seen in the foot. These are all non-serious but can affect the quality of life of the sufferer.
How can we help?
At West Cumbria Foot Care we're qualified to treat minor foot disorders and registered with a professional body. We also trim toe nails & offer advice on how best to care for feet.
CLICK HERE to browse the range of treatments we're offering to help you keep your feet in tip-top condition.
