Our feet are complex structures comprising twenty-six bones, thirty-three joints, eight arches, and over a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to ensure normal function.

Unfortunately, people rarely pay attention to their feet until there is pain or an obvious loss of function.

The American Podiatric Medical Association recently conducted a study showing that almost 75 percent of Americans will have at least one foot problem during the course of their lives.

Most of these problems are caused by abuse or overuse of the feet, while others may be related to deformities or congenital malformations.

Sometimes a foot problem is the first sign or symptom of an underlying metabolic disease such as diabetes. Foot problems need to be evaluated as soon as symptoms appear.

If a foot problem is left untreated it can result in intense pain and immobility, and possibly a delay in the diagnosis of a more severe underlying condition.