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Feet Facts
Posted on 11-24-2025 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.
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Ultrasound Use in Sports Medicine
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging offers orthopaedic patients safe, painless, and real-time imaging, without any harmful ionizing radiation or the need for uncomfortable positioning. As the first sports medicine physician in the region to utilize ultrasound for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, Dr. Josh Hackel’s commitment to innovation has improved the accessibility of care for his patients.
Strong Bones & Aging
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 2 million older Americans sustain fractures yearly due to weak bones. By 2025, that number is predicted to rise to 3 million fractures annually. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we recognize the importance of maintaining strong bones, particularly as you age. In honor of Healthy Aging Month, the following tips can help you maintain, and even improve, your bone strength:
Osteoporosis Management
We see our share of broken bones as an orthopaedic and sports medicine practice. From the high school baseball player who collided with first base a little too hard to the avid DIY’er who took a tumble from an unsecured ladder and everything in between, we’ve seen it all. As we age, we also gradually lose bone mass, which occurs as small amounts of healthy bone are absorbed into your body as small amounts are replaced. When more bone is absorbed than is replaced, the density (bone mass) is reduced. Osteoporosis develops when the bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed, and over time, it causes the bone to become progressively weaker, increasing the risk that it may break.