Did you know that there are 250,000 sweat glands in just one pair of feet? With facts like this, it becomes more obvious that there is a real reason that foot and ankle doctors exist. Human feet are very complex in their own right. They are also responsible for supporting us as we walk — for this reason, they need to be cared for by an expert when injury or stresses occur. Otherwise, people can risk permanent damage to their feet.

You may not yet have a need for visiting a foot and ankle doctor. However, it’s likely you will in the future. About 75% of Americans eventually experience foot health problems at some point in their lives. What should you do when that happens? Here are three facts about feet problems you might not know.

1. Flat Foot Problems

Did you know that about 60 million people have underdeveloped longitudinal arches? This is the arch along the side of your foot. A lack of it causes flat feet. Flat feet don’t always cause pain, but sometimes they will cause feet to feel painful, or tire quickly. A doctor can help diagnose the cause of flatfeet if it is a recent development (risk factors include arthritis and diabetes). Flat foot treatment is usually not invasive and is just a series of recommendations by the doctor regarding what to wear and how to stand.

2. Ingrown Toenail

When a toenail becomes ingrown, the side of the nail — typically the big toenail — digs into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, swelling and infections. There are multiple ingrown toenail remedies available, depending on the severity of the problem. The nail can be lifted (with cotton or a splint placed underneath), removing part of the nail, or removing the entire nail section.

3. Bunions

Bunions are bony bumps that tend to form when the big toe is pushed against the smaller toes, such as is the case with restrictive footwear. This causes the toe’s joint to enlarge, and stick out. The bump can become swollen and painful. Doctors can recommend different shoes, medications, and shoe inserts to help the problem, or they can tape and splint the foot back into a normal position. In some cases a doctor might recommend a surgical procedure.

Have you ever seen a foot and ankle doctor? Let us know in the comments. More information like this.