The human foot combines mechanical complexity and structural strength. The ankle serves as foundation, shock absorber and propulsion engine. The foot can sustain enormous pressure (several tons over the course of a one-mile run) and provides flexibility and resiliency.
The foot and ankle contain 26 bones (one-quarter of the bones in the human body); 33 joints; more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments; and a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin and soft tissue. These components work together to provide the body with support, balance and mobility. It is no wonder that a structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body.