Foot Facts

Your feet are home to a quarter of the bones in all the human body, with 26 bones, 33 joints and 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons in each foot. The bones in your toes are among the smallest in the body.

The world's biggest feet belonged to actor Matthew McGrory, who was also the world's tallest actor according to the Guinness World Records. His big feet (US size 291/2 ) and height (7ft 6 inches) limited him to horror or fantasy movie roles such as the giant in Tim Burton's Big Fish.

Archaeologist Erik Trinkaus believes man invented supportive footwear 30,000 years ago. His theory, published in last July's edition of the Journal of Archaeological Science, is based on his analysis of ancient foot bones.

Foot odour, or bromidrosis, is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. Feet contain more sweat glands per square inch than anywhere else on the body. Bacteria can also lead to athlete's foot, especially in Hong Kong's hot, humid climate. To avoid it you should change your socks daily, choose natural fibres for socks, and keep feet dry using medicated talc after bathing.

The exact origin of foot binding is unknown, although it is believed to have started in the 10th century during the Tang Dynasty. It was practised for more than 1,000 years, affecting the lives of more than 1 billion women before it officially ended last century.

The Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle, is named after the mythical Greek hero Achilles. As a baby, Achilles was dipped into the River Styx to make him immortal but he was held by his heel, which remained dry and forever vulnerable.