- Blog
Feet Facts
Posted on 07-31-2026 in Foot/Ankle & Plantar Fasciitis by Dr. Erik Nilssen
Many of us tend to take our feet for granted, however, when there is a problem, we begin to realize just how important healthy feet really are. The muscles, ligaments, and tendons of our feet allow us to perform numerous complex activities that require motion and balance. These activities range from standing upright to walking, jogging, and jumping.
The Anatomy of the Foot:
EACH FOOT HAS THREE SECTIONS:
- The forefoot – contains five long bones and five toes.
- The midfoot – a collection of bones that resembles a pyramid and forms the arches of the feet.
- The hindfoot – creates the ankle and the heel.
Proper Foot Care is a Necessity, Not an Option
If your career requires that you are on your feet all day, there is a good chance that you have already experienced some form of foot pain: The good news is that with the assistance of Dr. Erik Nilssen (an experienced ankle and foot surgeon), the cause of your foot pain can be determined. Once he discovers what is causing your foot pain, he will recommend the treatment that he believes will serve you the best. Treatments can range from night splints to custom-made orthotic devices or surgical intervention.
Preventing Foot Pain
Many times, wearing a shoe that fits you properly and is the right shoe for the job can prevent the onset of foot pain. Taking care of your feet now can ward off additional problems in the future. Consider massaging, icing (15-20 minutes three times a day – never place ice directly against your skin, wrap it in a cloth first) and elevating your feet after a long day at work.
Check out some of our related posts:
Why It Feels Like You Are Walking on a Pebble: What Pain in the Ball of Your Foot Could Mean
Have you ever taken a step and felt like there was a pebble stuck in your shoe, only to stop, check, and find nothing there? It's a surprisingly common complaint. Many patients describe the sensation as though they're walking on a small rock, a wrinkle in their sock, or something that simply won't go away. While it may seem like a minor annoyance at first, persistent pain in the ball of the foot is often your body's way of signaling that something isn't functioning as it should. Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, understanding what may be behind the discomfort is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
Knee Arthritis or Chronic Low Back Pain? How Peripheral Nerve Stimulation May Fit Into Your Treatment Plan
For many patients living with chronic low back pain (LBP) and advanced knee arthritis, there comes a point when the treatments that once provided relief no longer seem to work as well. Medications may offer only temporary comfort, injections may become less effective over time, and everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair can become increasingly difficult. At that point, many patients ask the same question: "Am I ready for surgery, or are there other options I should consider first?" The answer is rarely as simple as "yes" or "no."
Arthritis Awareness Month: Resources for Relief & Education
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public understanding of arthritis and its impact on millions of lives. Established by the Arthritis Foundation, this national observance highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing research to improve the quality of life for those with arthritis.