About Your Feet

• One fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet: 26 bones in each foot, connected by 107 ligaments, 33 joints and 19 muscles.

• The foot is the foundation of the skeleton and serves to stabilize the whole structure.

• Very few people are born with foot problems.  Yet it is estimated that nearly 90% of the population will develop foot-related problems in their lifetime – mostly due to poor support, misalignment, pressure, walking on hard surfaces and long hours of standing.

• Surprising benefit from custom arch supports: a good night’s sleep!  People sometimes lie awake for hours with annoying burning in their feet, knees or legs.  Or they may turn frequently during the night trying to ease uncomfortable legs.  When they finally can sleep straight through the night in comfort, that’s bliss!

Arches: The Basics

Feet with low arches tend to have a loose, flexible structure that allows the framework of the foot to flatten when standing instead of retaining the normal arch shape.  This causes extreme stress and pulling along the length of the arch which can result in tendonitis and heel spurs.  In addition, as the arch flattens the ankle rolls inward, pulling the leg out of alignment and leading to shin splints, leg fatigue and knee pain. 

Low arches are very common.  Fortunately, custom-fitted supports which hold up the arch framework and stabilize the foot can bring significant relief, letting people stay on their feet longer without pain as well as preventing more serious problems.

Feet with high arches usually have a fairly rigid structure and a more exaggerated arch shape which puts the burdens of weight and impact on the ball of the foot and the heel.  When walking, the heel and toes tend to turn slightly inward.  Because the foot is less flexible it does not absorb shock well.  People with high arches often develop pain in the forefoot and heel, claw toes, and knee, hip and back pain from repetitive stress.

Cushioned arch supports which absorb impact and distribute weight evenly across the foot can provide amazing comfort.  These supports often have metatarsal lifts to transfer impact away from the sensitive ball of the foot.

Feet with medium arches are not prone to some of the more severe disorders because they function correctly as they step.  However, people with medium arches are still susceptible to the problems of misalignment, fatigue, foot soreness and joint pain from walking on hard surfaces in shoes that do not properly support and balance the feet.  Custom-fitted arch supports will distribute weight, absorb shock and provide correct balance to give you energy to keep going all day.

Whatever kind of arches you have, our unique exercise program can realign the 26 bones in your feet so they are in the proper position for your foot health and comfort.  Our special aligning arch (the Natural) gently and gradually repositions the bones into the ideal natural placement, then strengthens the supporting muscles to maintain the new alignment.  You’ll be amazed – you can actually see your foot imprint change over time as pressure points are corrected and weight is properly distributed.

Come in to Walk Happy for a free foot analysis and let us demonstrate our exercise program for you.  It’s quick and easy, and the results are unbelievable.