The foot is a fascinating part of the human body; one reason is because there are 26 bones in the feet that make up a quarter of all the bones in our body. It is a delicate part of our body, and yet it is also an incredibly strong and resilient part. These delicate bones are held together by muscles and ligaments that work in conjunction with the ankle. The state of our feet, in good or bad condition, can have a direct effect on the knees, hips and back.

There are two bones in the big toe and three bones in the other toes made up of a base, a shaft and a head. These are known as the metatarsals. The talus bone is the bone that connects the foot to the ankle and also has three parts; the head, neck and body. It is one of the largest bones in the foot and no muscles connect it.

The calcaneus bone is the largest bone in the foot and forms the heel of the foot. It is also connected to the Achilles tendon and the flexor muscles of the little fingers. The Achilles tendon connects the heel and calf muscle, which is one reason calf stretches can have a positive effect on the entire foot. The Achilles tendon is essential for being able to stand on your toes and run and jump. The middle part of the foot is formed by a set of bones that form the arch; the cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone and the navicular bone.

The purpose of arches is to distribute weight evenly, so it only makes sense that if you have extremely high or extremely flat arches, various conditions could develop. Very flat arches, or commonly referred to as “flat feet,” often result in excessive pronation, where the ankle rolls up and puts pressure on the inside of the foot. Ultimately, this can cause problems such as bunions, calluses, or chronic ankle instability.

There’s also the plantar fascia, a large connective ligament that supports the arches of the feet and connects the heel bone to the toes. If it becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause pain mainly in the heel of the foot.

Most people don’t realize or think about the importance of keeping their feet healthy, strong, and in good condition. In addition to stretching and taking calcium for your bones, remember that the shoes you wear also play an important role in the overall condition of your feet.

Ideally, walking barefoot is the best way to naturally strengthen your feet, tendons, and bones, but not everyone can walk every day without wearing some type of closed-toe shoe. Wearing comfortable, flexible shoes that also support your feet is the first step in improving your foot health. Unfortunately, many shoe designers will focus solely on style without comfort or support, or comfort without regard to the desire for style.