Each foot and ankle contain:

• 26 bones (One-quarter of the bones in the human body are in both feet);
• 33 joints;
• 19 muscles;
• 107 ligaments (fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones) and tendons (fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones) that hold the foot together; and
• a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue.

These components work together to provide the body with support of the weight of the entire body, balance, and mobility. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body. Abnormalities in other parts of the body can lead to problems in the feet.

Since feet are the major weight-bearing part of the body, foot pain is common; half of the Americans polled by the American Podiatric Medical Association had missed a day of work because of foot problems. Walking puts up to 1.5 times one's body weight on the foot, and humans walk an average of 1,000 miles per year.

Foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored; problems can affect the functioning of other parts of the body, including the hips, knees, and back. These are foot-related problems that may be related to biomechanical issues.

Chiropractors will often recommend custom foot orthoses (orthotics) as part of a treatment regimen. They are prescribed to:

• Reduce the symptoms associated with many foot related pathologies.
• Provide support
• Accommodate foot deformity
• Provide better positioning
• Relieve pressure on a certain area of the foot
• Improve the overall biomechanical function of the foot and lower extremity

Orthotic Therapy is concerned with the design, development, fitting and manufacturing of “orthoses”, which are devices that support or correct musculoskeletal deformities and/or abnormalities of the human body. The term is derived from the Greek "ortho", meaning to straighten. Foot orthotics allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential. When appropriately prescribed, orthotics can decrease pain, not only in the foot, but also in other parts of the body such as the knee, hip and lower back. They can also increase stability in an unstable joint, prevent a deformed foot from developing additional problems, and improve overall quality of life.

In addition to providing relief for painful foot problems or an injury, those who may benefit from orthotics include people who must walk or stand excessively on the job. For overweight individuals, orthotics can help to counteract the extra stress on the feet, as minor problems are often magnified due to the increased weight.  Orthotics are particularly effective in relieving foot fatigue and discomfort experienced by older adults, who may have developed arthritis in their feet. Orthotics may also be prescribed for children who have afoot deformity.

For those who are active in sports, orthotics will often increase endurance, performance and strength. In athletic individuals, sports activities result in a great deal of movement and pressure on the foot. Slight imbalances in the foot that are not harmful or even detectable under usual circumstances may make one more vulnerable to injury with the extra stress of sports activity. By eliminating the need for one's muscles to compensate for imperceptible imbalances, orthotics can reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function to enhance performance. With enough functional correction, the foot structure can be aligned to give more propulsion, making walking, running and cycling more mechanically efficient.

All types of orthotics have the goal of improving foot function and minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity and pain. Foot orthotics take various forms and are constructed of various materials.  There are three broad categories of orthotics: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are mainly protective or accommodative in nature, and those that combine functional control and accommodation.

In this section you will learn more about Footmaxx, orthotic therapy, human biomechanics, childhood posture/orthotics, and other valuable information about various foot problems.

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