We are all aware of the significant role our feet play in our everyday activities. They transport us and aid in our physical mobility. Despite their significance, they can be overlooked at times.

Here are a few facts about your feet that are most likely to amaze you.

Different Foot Shapes and Sizes

At first glance, our two feet may be indistinguishable, but each foot has distinct characteristics. One foot commonly has longer toes than the other, and the width of your feet may differ. Additionally, your arches can be either higher or lower, and your heels may be narrower.

Balance

Our toes are essential for maintaining balance, supporting weight, and facilitating almost all forms of movement. If you were to lack toes, your feet would struggle to function effectively. When you apply pressure while walking, skipping, jumping, or performing any movement, your brain receives a signal from your big toe indicating that you have achieved stability. If your large toe is damaged, it can greatly hinder your stability and potentially prevent you from walking.

Changes

During your childhood, the growth of your feet is remarkably fast. During the first two years of life, our feet grow twice the size approximately every two months. They gradually decrease their growth rate yet continue to grow without pause until reaching approximately 20 years of age. They may cease in physical growth, but they still undergo development and change.

Nervous System

There are approximately 200,000 nerve endings in every foot. Nerve endings act as sensory receptors, relaying information to the brain regarding motion, temperature, pressure, discomfort, or any essential details regarding your feet.

The high concentration of nerve endings in your feet makes them extremely sensitive to tickling. Tickling can generate feelings of annoyance, irritation, discomfort, exhilaration, or even pleasure. It serves as an indicator that everything is functioning as it should.

Bones

Approximately 25% of the bones in your body can be found in your feet, even though they are comparatively small. Despite their petite size, they are a crucial support system for your entire body. This significant role fulfilled by the feet explains why any foot issue can have a cascading effect on the rest of the body, leading to pain in other areas.

Devoting a few moments daily to consider your feet can greatly impact their overall well-being. If you have any worries or inquiries, please contact a podiatrist. They will give you personalized, top-quality foot care for problems such as heel pain, persistent foot conditions, injuries from sports, and issues with toenails.

At Bay Podiatry Associates, Dr. Argirios Mantzoukas, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as ankle sprains, diabetic wounds, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, nerve pain, plantar warts, dry skin, and calluses. We provide excellent service for patients in the Bath Beach, Kings County section of South Brooklyn. Contact our office at 718-266-1986. Our office is at 8635 21st Avenue, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.