We log at least 1,000 miles per year on our feet. The daily act of walking puts up to one and a half times our bodyweight on our foot. During strenuous exercise, our feet act as shock absorbers to cushion up to one million pounds of pressure. Because of the daily abuse we give to our feet, almost all of us will have foot pain at one point in our lives.  

Each foot is made up of 26 bones interlaced with muscles and tendons that make the foot move. All of these components allow plenty of room for injury. The most common foot injuries include muscle strains, stress fractures, bunions, heel pain, hammertoes, plantar warts, Morton's Neuroma, and corns and calluses.

Most basic injuries come simply from overuse. Excessive training activity, such as running long distances without rest, place repeated stress on the foot. This stress can result in stress fractures in the bone or muscle and tendon strains

Medical Park Orthopaedic Clinic physicians utilize a variety of treatments for inured feet. Most treatment choices depend on the type and severity of the injury. Options include immobilization, rest, and in some cases surgery to reduce pain.

However, the best treatment for foot injuries is prevention. Warming up before any strenuous activity will help prevent muscle strains. Additionally, building muscle strength will prevent foot injury by alleviating pressure placed on the foot. Finally, the most simple method of prevention is to wear the correct footwear. Improperly fitting shoes or improper footwear for our activities can place excessive strain on our feet and damage them.