Bones of the Foot
The Phalanges (toe bones) provide balance, weight-bearing, and thrust while standing, walking, or running. Narrow, pointed footwear can cause painful deformities of the toes, such as Bunions.
The Metatarsals carry a large amount of weight while standing and especially during the push-off part of walking or running.
High heels and footwear without adequate Metatarsal Arch support can aggrevate the connective tissue area around the metatarsal bones causing pain in the ball of the foot (Metatarsalgia). Footwear with good Metatarsal Arch support, such as Birkenstock and The
Cuneiform, Cuboid, and Navicular bones are large and perform a weight-bearing function. Footwear with good Medial Arch support can help stabilize these structures and prevent pain or injury.
The Talus and Calcaneum form the heel area of the foot and bear a large portion of the body's weight. The Talus forms the connection between the Tibia and Fibula (lower leg) and the foot. Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, and Plantar Fasciitis are all ailments related to inflammation of tendons or ligaments which attach to the Calcaneum. Footwear that properly supports the Medial Arch can reduce or prevent heel pain.
The bones which make up the Medial Arch include the first three digits, their Metatarsals, the Cuneiforms, the Navicular, and the Talus. The bones which make up the Lateral Arch include the 4th and 5th digits, their Metatarsals, the Cuboid, and the Calcaneum.