Wichita Podiatrist Dr. Weaver Explains Foot Anatomy and Common Foot Problems
The foot is an intricate structure of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that provide support, balance, and mechanical function. In fact, the bones of both feet account for 25 percent of the total bones in the entire human body. Add to this the constant stress, impact, and pressure that the feet endure daily, and there is the potential for many foot problems to arise over a lifetime of activity. If one part of the foot lacks proper placement or function, it can affect the entire foot and other parts of the body.
At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, we strive to provide you with the right education about foot anatomy and common foot problems so you always feel in control of your health choices.
Understanding Foot Anatomy
So, let's start with the basic foot structure, which is comprised of three compartments.
Forefoot
This area includes the five phalanges—the bones that make up the toes—and their connecting metatarsals, as well as the ball of the foot. Metatarsals are the long bones that connect to the phalanges. The big toe has two bones and one joint, and the four smaller toes each have three bones and two joints.
Midfoot
The arch is formed by five tarsal bones, three cuneiforms, the cuboid, and the navicular. The plantar fascia ligament runs along the arch, connecting the midfoot to the forefoot and hindfoot, along with other muscles.
Hindfoot
Also referred to as the rearfoot, this area connects the midfoot and ankle and is made up of two bones—the talus bone and calcaneus or heel bone—and three joints. The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot and is protected by a fatty pad that absorbs shock and reduces pressure. Where the hindfoot and ankle meet, the joints form a hinge that allows for up and down motion of the foot.
Common Foot Problems Our Central Kansas Podiatry Patients Experience
From minor annoyances to debilitating conditions, various foot ailments arise due to factors such as improper footwear, biomechanical issues, injuries, or underlying health conditions. Other common foot and ankle problems are caused by congenital foot deformities that occur at birth and can be hereditary, injuries, arthritis, and abnormal growths and cancers.
Understanding common foot problems helps in prevention, timely intervention, and effective health management. Here are just a few conditions we treat in our clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It commonly causes heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the first phalanges, or big toe, that often causes pain, swelling, and difficulty with shoe fit. It can result from genetics, improper footwear, or structural issues in the foot.
Ingrown Toenails
When the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, it can lead to pain, redness, swelling, and even infection. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or injury are common causes.
Corns and Calluses
These thickened areas of skin develop in response to friction or pressure, typically from ill-fitting shoes or repetitive activities. They cause chronic discomfort and even more serious pain if left untreated.
Athlete's Foot and Toenail Fungus
Fungal foot infections are typically caused by microorganisms that thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks and shoes or contaminated surfaces in locker rooms and pools. Athlete's foot causes itching, burning, and flaking, and toenail fungus creates cracked, brittle, and discolored nails. While mild cases of athlete’s foot can be treated with home remedies, toenail fungus rarely heals on its own, and usually requires professional intervention to clear up completely.
Morton's Neuroma
This condition involves a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the metatarsals, commonly between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas cause sharp, burning pain and a sensation of constantly stepping on a pebble.
Heel Spurs
These bony protrusions develop on the underside of the heel bone and are often associated with strain on certain ligaments and tendons, particularly the plantar fascia. Spurs are particularly painful during long periods of standing or walking.
Hammer Toes
This deformity happens when one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Patients often experience pain, corns, and calluses, often due to muscle imbalances or wearing tight shoes.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flatfoot occurs when the arches collapse, causing the entire sole to come into contact with the ground. This can lead to foot pain, fatigue, and difficulty with standing or walking for extended periods.
Achilles Tendinitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, results from overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in physical activity. It causes pain and stiffness in the back of the heel and lower leg.