The foot can be subdivided into the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot: The hindfoot is composed of the talus (or ankle bone) and the calcaneus (or heel bone). The two long bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula, are connected to the top of the talus to form the ankle.

The cuboid is on the lateral side of the foot (outer foot) and sits in front of the calcaneus. The navicular is on the medial (inner) side of the foot, between the talus and the cuneiform bones in front.

To do this exercise:

1. Sit up straight in a chair, with the feet flat on the floor.
2. Place the left foot on the right thigh.
3. Pull the toes up toward the ankle. There should be a stretching feeling along the bottom of the foot and heel cord.
4. Hold for 10 seconds.
5. Repeat this exercise 10 times on each foot.

Foot stiffness after sitting and in the morning is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament on the bottom of your foot, running from the heel to the ball. This condition occurs when that ligament becomes irritated. Plantar fasciitis is common for athletes, specifically runners.

Stand with your feet directly underneath your hips. Making sure to keep our toes in contact with the floor the entire time, roll your weight to the outer edges of your feet as you lift your arches up as far as you can. Then release your feet back down. You’ll work the muscles that help to lift and supinate your arches.

Treatment

1. Arch supports (orthotic devices). Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet.
2. Stretching exercises. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon.
3. Supportive shoes.
4. Physical therapy.

The relationship between the feet, back, and hips is significant, so when there is a problem with feet it can cause pain in those areas. Flat feet is a foot problem that is a very common cause of lower back pain.

Flat feet, also referred to as flatfoot, pes planus, pronated foot, and fallen arches, is a deformity with various degrees of physical impact. This condition in one or both feet can be passed down as a hereditary trait or may simply develop over time.