Overview of the Foot and Ankle

The human foot serves as the foundation of the body, combining mechanical complexity and structural strength. The ankle specifically serves as the shock absorber and propulsion engine of the body. The foot and ankle are designed to sustain enormous pressure while providing flexibility and resiliency.

The foot and ankle are made up of…

• 26 bones (One-quarter of the bones in the human body are in the feet);
• 33 joints;
• More than 100 muscles, tendons (fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones), and ligaments (fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones); and
• A network of blood vessels, nerves, skin and soft tissue.

These components work together to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body.

Are You Off Balance?

Your feet are the foundation of your body… and can be a contributing factor to your health problems.

But My Feet Don’t Hurt
Your feet are the foundation of your entire skeleton. If they’re not supported properly, your body will form weaknesses in its skeletal structure. This results in pain and suffering. It’s like a building that will eventually have cracks in its walls if the foundation is not laid properly.

Most of the time, your feet aren’t the weakest point of your skeleton. They don’t hurt… but they will affect other parts of your body that do.

Excessive Foot Pronation and Flat Feet
When your feet strike hard surfaces, like the pavement or floor, they begin to flatten. This action causes the bones in your feet to become misaligned and leads to excessive foot pronation or flat feet. You’ll notice movement of your ankle and the flattening of your arch.

These conditions cause stress on your entire body, starting with your foot and moving up to your ankle, knee, hip joint, pelvis, spine and head. It can also result in a variety of health problems.

Orthotics help correct these problems.
Foot orthotics give you proper support and help restore the natural balance and alignment of your body.
Foot orthotics also help make your spinal adjustments more effective and longer-lasting.