A board-certified podiatrist like Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos is a medical expert, with years of training and experience that makes him an expert on the anatomy and structure of the feet and ankles. It also makes him an authority on all injuries and illnesses of this part of your body.
Even if you’re not a podiatrist, you can be a lay expert on your feet and ankles! Here are some facts to get you started:
- There are 26 bones in each of your feet, and they come together in 33 joints. This is more than one-quarter of all the bones in your body.
- You have more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet and ankles.
- The average person will walk more than 100,000 miles in his or her lifetime. Every step you take puts 150% of body weight in pressure on the feet. This can increase to 300% to 400% when you run. Fortunately, the arches of your feet and ankles are well structured to withstand this force.
- There are a quarter-million (yes, you read that right!) sweat glands in your feet, and they put out as much as half a pint of sweat daily. Excessive sweating is known medically as hyperhidrosis, and your podiatrist has treatment options.
- Nearly 80% of Americans have experienced foot pain.
- Women are four times more likely than men to have foot health issues. Doctors believe that this is related to footwear choices.
- Many people have one foot that is as much as one shoe size larger than the other. When shopping for footwear, be sure to go in the afternoon, when feet may have slightly swelled, and to buy shoes to fit your larger foot.
If you have a concern about the health or wellness of your feet and ankles, it’s time to visit the podiatrist. Your foot doctor is the best-qualified medical professional to help you. Schedule a convenient appointment with Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM in our modern, comfortable Chicago office today. Call our friendly staff at My Chicago Foot Expert (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started.