Although it’s normal for feet to hurt after a long day of standing or walking, it’s important to pay attention to chronic pain. Being aware of the source of chronic pain and doing simple exercises can strengthen supporting muscles, often making all the difference.
The Bones of the Foot
The 26 bones of the foot fall into three groups: the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.Tarsal Bones
These bones connect the ankle and foot and allow the foot to articulate with the ankle while walking, running, and negotiating uneven terrain. A bone articulation is a joint of two bones. The ankle articulation allows for a variety of movements.Metatarsal Bones
This group of five tubular bones in the middle of the foot connects the tarsal bones and the phalanges and adds structure and strength to the foot.Phalanges
These are the small bones in the toes, which are similar to the bones in the fingers. The big toe has two phalanges, while the rest of the toes have three.Though complex, the design and function of the foot provide exceptional flexibility and balance, Mythili Balasubramaniyan, a doctor of physical therapy and a Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation specialist, told The Epoch Times.