Seventy-five percent of Americans will experience foot health problems of varying degrees of severity at one time or another in their lives.

The foot is an intricate structure containing 26 bones. Thirty-three joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and tendons hold the structure together and allow it to move in a variety of ways. The bones of the feet make up one quarter of all the bones in your body.

Foot pain is not normal. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, it is important that you see a podiatrist before the problem worsens and becomes harder to treat. Many people can try home remedies and they may work. However, lingering foot pain is a sign of a problem that must be handled by a professional. Foot and ankle pain can develop from everyday injuries or sports injuries. Other causes of pain are from too much activity, improper foot support and excessive weight. This can lead to heel pain and arch pain and pain in the ball of the foot or pain on the top of the foot.

The American Podiatric Medical Association says the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. Those cover several miles, and they all add up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime — more than four times the circumference of the globe.

There are times when you’re walking that the pressure on your feet exceeds your body weight, and when you’re running, it can be three or four times your weight.

Shopping for shoes is best done in the afternoon, says the American Podiatric Medical Association. Your feet tend to swell a little during the day, and it’s best to buy shoes to fit them then. Have your feet measured every time you purchase shoes, and do it while you’re standing. When you try on shoes, try them on both feet; many people have one foot larger than the other, and it’s best to fit the larger one.

Podiatrists, Podiatric physicians, and Podiatric surgeons are all terms used to describe Doctors of Podiatric medicine (DPMs). All are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the Foot and Ankle based on their education, training, and experience. The specific types of surgical procedures performed by Podiatric Surgeons may vary based on each individual’s experience and personal choice within their practice.

DPMs receive medical education and training comparable to Medical (Allopathic) doctors or doctors of Osteopathic medicine. This includes four years of undergraduate education and four years of graduate education at one of ten Podiatric medical colleges. They are then required to complete a Three year, hospital-based, Surgical residency program. [Note: Dr. Poston has completed a Three year Foot and Ankle Surgical Residency, with an added accreditation in reconstruction]

On a daily basis, podiatrists treat foot and ankle conditions of patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, obesity, heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. These illnesses can lead to serious foot and ankle problems. With proper treatment from a podiatrist, more serious complications may be avoided.

Within the field of podiatric medicine and surgery, podiatrists can focus on specialty areas such as surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, or primary care.

Foot and ankle services provided by podiatrists are usually covered by health insurance plans and most podiatrists participate in private and public health insurance plans. However, not all podiatrists accept all insurance plans. To find out if your health insurance plan is accepted, contact the podiatrist’s office in advance. Also, check with your health insurance company regarding the foot and ankle services covered under your plan.

Typically, heel pain is not caused from one single incident or injury. Repetitive stress/pounding of the heel can cause heel pain. Other common causes can include: inflammation of the plantar fascia, inflammation of the back of the heel, inflammation of the heel pad, progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon, or a stress fracture which could be caused by repetitive stress to the heel.

Orthotics are custom foot supports that replace the over the counter supports that come in shoes you buy off the shelf at the store. These are designed to hug your foot more efficiently than over the counter products to significantly aid in balancing the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs.

You may have an infected ingrown toenail if there are any signs of redness, swelling, pain, and drainage such as puss coming from the area. If you notice any of these symptoms contact your podiatric physician immediately.