Each human foot is made up of 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles or tendons, and 26 bones or one-quarter of the 206 bones in the human body. Which is often why, when you don’t take care of your feet, other problems aren’t far behind.
- Feet first: Medical conditions including arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders often show symptoms first in your feet so if something’s not feeling quite right in your feet, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor.
- Butt out: Smoking is the most common cause of peripheral vascular disease which affects the feet and legs and can lead to walking pain ulceration, infection and even amputation. That’s a good enough reason as any to stop smoking.
- Heel not healing? If you’re feeling a sharp pain in the bottom of your feet, it could be plantar fasciitis, inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. Your podiatrist may suggest you change your footwear or do some stretching.
- Bothersome bunions: Though high-heeled shoes can be an aggravating factor, they don’t actually cause bunions. These unattractive bumps next to the big toe are usually inherited. Unfortunately the only way to correct bunions is with surgery.
- Cold feet, warm heart: Although that’s actually not true, if your feet are always cold, it could be a sign of hypothyroidism. A blood test and a prescription may be able to help.
- Fungal bungle: Athletes aren’t the only ones to get athlete’s foot. This fungal infection, which affects the toes, soles and side of the feet can be a nuisance. But it’s easy to clear up with over-the-counter medication, keeping your feet clean and dry, and wearing breathable footwear.
What are your foot problems and how do you care for them? Share your tips and experiences with the Shop Talk Blog community forum!
Did you know: Our feet are getting bigger
Feet spread to support extra weight, which explains why, since 1970s, to compensate for our increased obesity, the average foot has increased two sizes. (Source)
Very good questions and answers have made me realize
the importance of foot care. Thank you for a knowledgeable read.
Very helpful.. Thank you
I was not aware that arthritis will show symptoms in your feet. My grandfather has arthritis, and we are looking for natural ways to make him feel better. I will contact a foot care doctor to see if we can give my grandfather some relieve.
I like the helpful info you supply for your articles. Keep up the great work!
I did not know the fact that a human foot is made up of 26 bones or one-quarter of the 206 bones in the human body. I’ve heard that if you have healthy feet you have a healthy life. Thanks for the tip about getting a blood test if your feet are always cold since it could be a sign of hypothyroidism.
My right ankle is giving me a lot of pain just on the right half of the ankle.Not the whole ankle just the right half.It hurts the most when I first get up.It has been bothering me for about 3 to 4 years now I have been to my Doctor and to a podiatrist and no one has been able to help.
I wanted to thank you for this advice for your feet. You mentioned that a sharp pain in the bottom of your foot could be plantar fasciitis. I’m interested to learn if you should look out for any other signs or if you should go to a podiatrist just to be safe.
It’s true that many symptoms for medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, etc first appears on the patient’s feet, and it’s best to care for them to avoid making the situation worst. Thanks for providing other benefits of proper feet care. If ever that I will have any of the conditions mentioned above, I will make sure to take good care of feet by visiting a podiatrist.
Good to know
Good information on foot care
I really appreciate your tip on seeing a podiatrist when you have bunions! My wife and I have been thinking of seeing a doctor to help her feet. I will be sure to tell my wife that she should keep an eye out for bunions!
I do believe that our feet are getting bigger the older we get. Many of us, has we get older, are putting on more weight.
Karen, I have the same problem with my toes as well. Seems the older I get the worse they become. Beginning to get them in grown too. UGH!!k
Learn something new everyday
I had no idea that medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes and nerve disorders could sometimes show symptoms in your feet first. I have been noticing that my feet have been hurting as of late, but I don’t know if it could be any of those medical conditions. I guess it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be checked out anyway. Thank you for the information!
AM LATE FOR APPT. WAY TOO LONG.
Very helpful and informative
Learn something new everyday
I have had up to 8 operations, if not more due to very small bunions, and the wrong operations done in the beginning; some years later I found a Podiatrist that corrected the mess, a Dr. Estershon in New Jersey…love him. Periodically, too often I get this itchiness in the bottom of my feet, extreme itching, inside my feet!!! Is this symptoms of poor circulation or what?
you have to take care of your feet
Good to know
I have had hypothyroidism since I was 5 years old, now I am 51 years old. My feet are always cold & no one ever told me it could be due to this. Thank you for the useful information.