The feet are made up of 26 bones and more than 33 joints arranged in columns and arches that vary in stiffness and flexibility. The back of the foot is made up of the heel bone and the ankle. The joint that holds them together allows the foot to move from side to side. The heel is connected to the calf muscles in the lower leg by the Achilles tendon, which is the most important tendon for movement.
The middle of the foot is made up of five bones. These form the arch of the foot. These bones are connected to the front and back of the foot by muscles and the arch ligament (the plantar fascia). They act as a shock absorber when we're walking or running. The front of the foot is made up of the toe bones, which are connected to five long bones by joints. The joints in the toes don't move very much.
What can cause foot pain?
There are many different causes of foot pain, but the following are two common conditions:
