Your feet do more work than you probably realize.
Each foot contains 26 bones—that’s 52 bones between both feet, making up about 25% of all the bones in your body.
In addition, your feet and ankles include:
- 33 joints
- Over 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons
All of these structures work together to provide support, balance, and movement every time you stand or walk.
Anatomy of the Foot
The foot is divided into three main sections:
Hindfoot
The hindfoot forms the heel and ankle.
- Calcaneus (heel bone): the largest bone in the foot
- Talus: sits above the calcaneus and connects the foot to the lower leg
Midfoot
The midfoot forms the arches of the foot and helps with stability.
It includes:
- Navicular
- Cuboid
- Three cuneiform bones
These bones are connected by muscles and the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot).
Forefoot
The forefoot includes:
- The toes (phalanges)
- The five metatarsal bones
The big toe has two bones, while the other toes each have three.
You also have small, embedded bones called sesamoids beneath the big toe joint, embedded within the tendon of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle. These help absorb pressure and assist with movement.
Common Types of Foot Fractures
Foot injuries are common, especially with repetitive stress or impact.
Stress Fractures
These are small cracks in the bone caused by overuse.
They occur when:
- Muscles become fatigued
- Muscles become atrophied
- The bones absorb repeated stress
Most commonly found in:
- Second and fifth metatarsals
- Sometimes the heel (calcaneus)
Calcaneus Fractures
These are more severe and usually caused by trauma, such as:
- Falls from height
- Car accidents
Common Causes of Foot Injuries
Fractures and breaks can result from:
- Overuse: repetitive stress from sports or activity
- Direct impact: dropping something heavy or high-impact collisions
- Missteps: stubbing toes or sudden twisting movements
- Falls: from height or awkward landings
- Aging: bone density loss from conditions like osteoporosis
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase your risk of foot injuries:
- High-impact sports (running, basketball, gymnastics, etc.)
- Poorly fitted or worn-out shoes
- Lack of proper warm-up or stretching before exercise or sports
- Occupations with repetitive stress or fall risk
- Medical conditions that weaken bones
Reducing Your Risk
While no device can completely prevent fractures, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing properly fitted and supported footwear
- Replacing worn-out shoes
- Warming up before activity
- Avoiding repetitive stress without recovery
The Role of Support
Support matters, but how it’s provided is important.
Orthotics that limit motion over long periods can lead to weakening of the foot’s muscles and supporting structures.
A functional, biomechanically designed orthotic, on the other hand, works differently. It helps guide the foot through proper movement, promoting strength and long-term function.
Function is motion—and proper motion supports overall foot health.
A Smarter Approach to Foot Health
A properly designed custom orthotic, such as the ezWalker® Performance Insole, is intended to:
- Support natural foot mechanics
- Improve movement during walking
- Reduce excessive stress on bones and joints
Over time, better function can contribute to improved overall foot health and may help reduce the risk of certain injuries.
Take Care of Your Foundation
Your feet are the foundation of your body. When they function properly, everything above them benefits.
Taking the time to understand how they work, and how to support them, can make a lasting difference in your comfort and mobility.
Walk Stronger. Feel Better.
For more information about ezWalker® Performance Insoles, visit our website at www.walkezstore.com.
Remember … When your feet feel good, you feel good.
