Foot pain is a common condition and unfortunately, most of us will suffer some sort of foot pain at some point in our life. In fact, a recent American Podiatric Medical Association poll discovered that 25% of all working Americans spend up to 6 hours a day on their feet and up to two thirds of American’s confess to wearing shoes that hurt their feet. 30% of those people do so once a week and 12% do a daily basis. With those staggering numbers it is of no surprise that statistics show that Americans will miss at least one day of work on average due to some sort of foot problem. The human foot is definitely one of the work horses of the body and it is a very complicated and very proficient machine. There are 100 working parts, including as many as 26 bones (not including the sesamoids) that work harmoniously with muscle, tendons, and ligaments. All of these structures help support and balance our entire body as we take to the ground in our high heeled shoes or work boots. Your body in the course of normal walking bears up to 2 times your body weight on each foot. This load is a tremendous force for the body to manage and with the average person taking between 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day there is no wonder why people suffer from foot pain and foot injuries. Our feet are the shocks and struts of our body. They help steady the load and absorb the shock we place on our bodies with each step. When this function breaks down deforming forces put pressure on the lower extremity that can cause injuries and foot pain. This pain is a direct result of the break down in foot mechanics and shouldn’t be ignored. One of the easiest ways to correct this break down in foot mechanics is with shoe inserts known as orthotics. These inserts are devices custom molded to your foot type that can be interchanged in all of your shoes. These devices give you support and cushioning while stopping the deforming forces that are contributing to your foot pain. They improve the mechanical function of your foot and help your body with shock absorption and balance your weight to the ground. They also may alleviate pain associated with the knees, hips, and lower back. The fact is when the body breaks down you break down. Proper foot function and mechanics can’t be ignored and trust me when it fails to do it’s job your body will let you know. If you are one of the many Americans experiencing foot pain don’t ignore it. It could be something as simple as improper foot mechanics. Make an appointment today with your physicians here at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your foot mechanics and your custom molded orthotics. Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists (912)355-4557 Call Today! Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children https://www.atlanticfeet.com