August 17 is I Love My Feet Day. How much do you know about your feet, ankles, and lower legs? Here are some fun facts to help you celebrate.
- The human foot and ankle are unique, and its unique structure allows humans to be the only mammals capable of walking upright.
- There are 26 bones in each foot. Together, this is more than 25% of the bones in your entire body! These bones are arranged in 33 joints and several delicate arches.
- When your arches are too high or too flat, pain can result. Your podiatrist can help with many different treatment options, including custom orthotic inserts to provide additional cushioning and support.
- The bones in your feet and ankles are supported by more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, along with miles of nerves and blood vessels.
- There are also a quarter million sweat glands in your feet. That’s more per square inch of skin than anywhere else on your body. These sweat glands produce up to a half pint of liquid each day.
- 75% of Americans will experience foot health issues at some point. You can care for your feet in much the same way that you care for the rest of your body – maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Go to the gym, enjoy a yoga class, or take a walk with a friend. Your feet with thank you.
- Women experience foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes more often than men do. Experts believe this is likely because of high-heels and other fashion footwear that can cramp the toes, shift the center of gravity, and cause permanent damage to the feet.
- Many whole-body illnesses including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes, have particular symptoms that affect the feet. The best way to prevent and manage such issues is with regular visits to your foot doctor. Your podiatrist is a medical specialist with years of education and experience and is the best professional to care for the health of this part of your body.
Show your feet some love. Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook county podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.