The foot is a complex appendage. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, more than 100 tendons, muscles, ligaments, and a network of blood vessels and nerves. They take quite a beating every day, supporting a force of about several hundred tons daily.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates one in six Americans have foot problems. Here are some common types:

Bunions. A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. They are caused when the bones in the affected toe are misaligned, forcing the toe to point inward and pushing the joint outward.

Corns and Calluses. Corns and calluses are layers of dead skin cells that build up in areas of excess pressure or friction. Corns are most commonly found on the big and little toes. Softer corns sometimes develop between the toes. Calluses generally occur on the soles of the feet.

Hammertoes. A hammertoe is a permanent, claw-like bend in a toe joint. It can affect any of the smaller toes, but is most commonly seen in the second toe.

Heel pain. Heel pain occurs when too much pressure is placed on the bone, ligaments or nerves in the heel. Walking, jumping or running can bruise the heel tissue. Being overweight or having arthritis, gout or circulatory problems increases the risk of heel pain. Heel pain can also be caused by a bony growth under the heel bone (heel spur), leading to inflammation of the surrounding tissue and pain.

Neuromas. A neuroma is a growth of excess nerve tissue. It usually occurs between the third and fourth toes. When the affected toes are squeezed together, the nerve is pinched, causing pain, burning, numbness and tingling. Symptoms can extend to the toes and ball of the foot.

Footwear Follies

While going barefoot is "naturally" appealing, footwear serves some important purposes. Since early times, humans have fashioned some type of protective covering for their feet. Shoes provide support and comfort for the feet. They are also a fashion statement and reflection of style.

When it comes to shoes, fashion sometimes overtakes common sense. High heels and narrow, tight shoes take quite a toll. It's especially a problem for women. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates 90 percent of foot deformities in women can be traced to poorly-fitting, tight shoes.

The Popularity of Crocs™

Crocs™ are a style of footwear that have become very popular in the last few years. They are made of a proprietary resin, called croslite™, which produces a soft, lightweight shoe. Crocs fit loosely, so there is no crowding or pressure on the toes and feet. They also have holes for ventilation and non-marking, slip-resistant soles.

Crocs come in different lines for women, men, kids, work and sports activities. The Crocs Rx™ line of products includes shoes and socks that have been designed specifically for people with various medical/podiatric conditions. A few weeks ago, the Crocs Rx line received the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance for meeting podiatric standards.

Currently, there are three crocs in the Rx line. The Relief has an ultra soft sole and wide toe box for people with bunions, heel pain, arthritis and other conditions that cause "achy feet." The Cloud model, designed for diabetics, contains an extra-soft foot bed, wide toe box, elevated heel and protective toe cap. The Silver Cloud is similar to the Cloud, but is impregnated with silver particles and contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Michael Kerzner, D.P.M., a Podiatric Surgeon with Memorial Hospital West, says many people like Crocs for their comfort and support. They come in many different styles and can even be worn by people who spend most of the day on their feet. Crocs can often be used by people with minor to moderate foot problems. Patients with significant foot deformities may still need orthopaedic shoes.

News reports have surfaced about escalator injuries in children wearing crocs. The problem occurs if the front of the shoe gets caught in the teeth as the stair tread reaches the end of the escalator. Some children have experienced serious injuries.

Shoe accidents from escalators are not a new phenomenon. The problem can occur with any type of soft soled shoe, like sneakers and flip-flops. Kerzner advises parents take extra precautions when using an escalator, holding the hands of small children, keeping them still and facing forward.

For information about crocs™, visit the company's website at http://www.crocs.com.

For general information on footwear and foot problems:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, public website

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society

American Podiatric Medical Association