The average person takes approximately 10,000 steps per day, which can add up more than 3 million steps per year. Each step can place 2-3 times the force of your body weight on your feet. You rely on your feet and ankles, so it's important to keep them healthy and pain free. If you have a foot or ankle problem, make an appointment with a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon in your area.

HOW TO READ YOUR SHOE IMPRINT

balloffoot

Wear on the ball of the foot

Your heel tendons may be too tight. Stretch them with heel raises.

innersole

Wear on the inner sole

You pronate or turn in. Inner liners or orthotic supports may help.

toeshapewear

Toe-shaped ridges on the top

Shoes are too small or you have hammertoes.

outersole

Outer sole wear

You turn out. Orthotics may help.

bigtoewear

Wear to the side of the big toe

A too-narrow fit or you have a bunion.

uppertoewear

Wear on top above the toes

The front of your shoe is too low.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatments. If you need medical advice, use the "Find a Surgeon " search to locate a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon in your area.