The feet are a complex structure made of bone, muscle, blood, and tissue.
Feet support the entire weight of the body and enable complex mobility actions such as standing up, walking, running, dancing, and a host of other movements.
All these movements come pretty naturally to us from the time we’re a baby and first learn to walk. But have you ever wondered about the workings and complexities that happen in the background, so to speak, to enable all these movements?
Better yet – How well do you know your feet? And no, we are not just talking about your shoe size.
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So, to help you understand your feet better, here are a few fun facts and stats that will amaze you!
Did You Know?
- Your feet contain approximately 250,000 sweat glands and they can generate half a pint of moisture daily.
- On average, a person takes eight to ten thousand steps per day. In miles, that number adds up to around 115,000 miles on your feet in a single lifetime. That is equivalent to 4x the circumference of the planet!
- 26 bones, more than 100 tendons, ligaments, and muscles, 33 joints – these make up the anatomy of your feet.
- If you think shoes are a relatively modern invention, think again. According to archaeological research, our human ancestors started wearing shoes around 40,000 years ago!
- Who doesn’t love cheese? But would you dare taste cheese made from bacteria samples collected from the human toe, the belly button, armpits, and from the bacteria in the mouth? Well, that is exactly what scientists from Trinity College in Dublin did at a cheese exhibit. They created cheese from bacterial growth found in human body parts.
- Ever wondered why the feet are so sensitive to tickling? It is not surprising since the feet contain approximately 8,000 nerves and there are more sensory nerve endings per square centimeter on the soles of the feet than any other part of the body.
- Madeline Albrecht currently holds the Guinness world record for smelling the greatest number of feet and armpits while she worked with Hill Top Research Laboratories in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. In her 15 years, she has sniffed close to 5,600 feet!
Your feet carry you through life, but how often do you stop to appreciate their remarkable design and role in your overall health?
Important and Interesting Feet Health Statistics
- An estimated 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at some point in their lives.
- Each year, 5% of Americans suffer from fungal foot infections.
- Each year, 5% of Americans suffer from ingrown toenail problems.
- An estimated 6% of Americans suffer from foot injuries which include flat feet, bunions, and fallen arches.
- Approximately 60-70% of people with diabetes will develop some form of diabetic nerve damage.
- Severe nerve damage can lead to diabetic lower limb amputation – an estimated 56,000 diabetic patients lose their foot or leg to the disease.
- 60% of people have uneven foot sizes; 80% among this group have a larger left foot.
- Arthritis, including arthritis of the feet, is the primary cause of disability among Americans.
Inspiring Fact
Although Jessica Cox, of Tucson, Ariz., was born without arms, she became the first licensed pilot to fly using only her feet.
Going Shoe Shopping?
If yes, then plan your shoe shopping spree for the afternoons. The American Podiatry Medical Association recommends shopping for shoes in the afternoon because your feet tend to swell during the day – it is best to buy shoes that allow your feet some breathing space.
Early Warning Signs Can Manifest Themselves in the Feet
Foot and ankle diseases or ailments can be indicative of health problems that impact your overall health. Often, early warning signs of health conditions such as diabetes, as well as circulatory disorders and nerve damage, will present themselves in the feet.
Do You Or A Family Member Need The Help Of An Experienced Podiatrist In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?
If you're seeking the help of an experienced podiatrist you owe it to yourself to speak with our doctors as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!