Patient Education
We believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
What is a Podiatrist?
When To Call a Podiatrist
Foot Anatomy
Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Foot Problems
Achilles Problems
Ankle Problems
Arch and Ball Problems
Common Foot Injuries
Deformities
Diabetes and Your Feet
Diseases of the Foot
Fungus Problems
Heel Problems
Nail Problems
Skin Problems
Toe Problems
Vascular/Nerve Problems
Medical Care
Diagnostic Procedures
Orthotics
Pain Management
Surgical Procedures
Therapies
Fitness and Your Feet
General Information About Fitness and Your Feet
Exercise Those Toes!
Aerobics
Fitness And Your Feet
Sports and Your Feet
Stretching
Walking and Your Feet
Work Footwear
Foot Care
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Athletic Foot Care
Blisters
Children's Feet
Corns and Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
Exercise Those Toes!
Foot Care For Seniors
Foot Self-Exam
Pedicures
Self-Assessment Quiz
Women's Feet
Fungus Problems
Foot Odor and Smelly Feet
Shoes
Anatomy of a Shoe
Athletic Shoe Guidelines
Children's Shoes
Corrective and Prescription Shoes
What To Look For
Getting a Proper Fit
Men's Shoes
Women's Shoes
Your Footprint
Wear Patterns
Links
Government
Associations/Groups
Online Resources
As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
The foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and numerous tendons. Complex biomechanics keep all these parts in the right position and moving together. Given these intricacies, it is not surprising that most people will experience some problem with their feet at some time in their lives.
Within each foot, the essential structure can be summed up as follows:
- Seven short tarsal bones make up the heel and back of the instep.
- Five metatarsal bones spread from the back of the foot toward front and make up the structure for the ball of the foot. Each metatarsal is associated with one of the toes.
- Fourteen phalanges, small bones, form the toe structure.
- Tarsal and metatarsal bones provide the structure for the arch of the foot.
- Bands of ligaments connect and hold all the bones in place.
- A thick layer of fatty tissue under the sole helps absorb the pressure and shock that comes from walking and everyday movements.