1. What are corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses are a build-up of dead skin. They are caused by friction and pressure between the toes or against the shoes.

2. Is the foot a complicated structure?

The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and tendons.

3. What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are warts on the plantar surface (sole) of the foot. They are caused by a virus which enters the sole of the foot through cuts and scratches in the skin. Walking barefoot on rough surfaces (pavement or the ground) can can allow the virus to enter the skin.

4. Who has more foot problems, men or women?

Women have about 4 times as many foot problems as men. This may be due to wearing high heels.

5. How much pressure is on my feet?

When you're walking the pressure on your feet is a little more than your body weight. When you're running, it can be as high as 3-4 times your body weight.

6. Are foot problems common?

In America, 75% of the people will experience foot health problems some time in their lives.

7. How common are corns and calluses?

Each year, about 5 percent of the US population has corns or calluses.  Corns and calluses can be very painful. For people with diabetes, they can also be the start of a more serious condition, such as a foot ulcer.

8. How should I trim my toenails?

The general rule is trim your toenails straight across. If you feel you must round the corners, gently round them. Do not dig into the corners.

9. What is the best exercise for my feet?

Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also improves your overall health, improves circulation and helps maintain weight.

10. How many Podiatrists are there in the United States?

There are 15,000 Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM's) practicing in the United States.

11. Are my feet suppose to hurt?

Many people think that it is normal for their feet to hurt. This is not true. If your feet are hurting, it is because there is a problem.

12. Are most people born with foot problems or do they develop later?

Most people are not born with foot problems. They develop them over time. Usually because of abuse, overuse, trauma, repetitive stress, poor fitting shoes and neglect.

13. What should I do when buying shoes?

Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Your feet tend to swell a little during the day. Buying in the afternoon will give you a better fit. When trying on shoes, try them on both feet. Many people have one foot slightly larger than the other and it's best to buy shoes fitted to the larger foot.

14. How common are foot infections?

Each year, approximately 5 percent of the United States population has foot infections. This includes bacterial infections (ingrown nail), fungal infections (athletes feet) and viral infections (warts).

15. Is it normal for my feet to sweat?

There are approximately 125,000 sweat glands on each foot. Together, they can produce as much as 8 ounces of moisture each day. It is normal for the feet to sweat; but always having excessively sweaty feet may cause problems.

16. How many bones are in the feet?

Together, your feet contain 52 bones, one quarter of the bones in your whole body.

17. What type of training does a Podiatrist receive?

The Podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM) is the Physician trained in the care of your feet. The Podiatrist receives conventional medical training, plus special training on the foot and ankle. All 50 states require the Podiatrist to pass rigorous state board examinations before they are licensed. Most  states require continuing education for license renewal.

18. Are foot problems common?

An estimated 25% of the United States population has an average of one foot problem each year.

19. How common are ingrown nails?

Each year, about 5 percent of the United States population has ingrown toenails or other toenail problems.

20. What is the distance an average person walks in a day?

The average person takes about 9,000 steps a day. This adds up to about 110,000 miles in a lifetime.

21. What is the most common foot and ankle problem?

About 60 percent of all foot and ankle injuries, reported by people over age 17, were ankle sprains and strains.