Anatomy
of the Foot
 The
foot combines mechanical complexity and structural strength. It
supports and balances our body's weight while standing, as well as
raising and moving the body in a forward and backward motion when
walking. The ankle serves as foundation, shock absorber, and
propulsion engine.
The
foot and ankle contain:
-
26 small bones
(one-quarter of the bones in the human body).
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33 joints.
-
more than 100
muscles, tendons and ligaments.
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a network of
blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue.
These components work together to provide the body
with support, balance, and mobility.
Parts of the Foot
Structurally, the foot has three main parts: the forefoot, midfoot,
and hindfoot.
 The
forefoot is composed of the five toes (called phalanges) and
their connecting long bones (metatarsals). Each toe is made up of
several small bones. The big toe has two phalanges, two joints and
two tiny, round sesamoid bones that enable it to move up and down.
The other four toes each have three bones and two joints. The
phalanges are connected to the metatarsals by five metatarsal
phalangeal joints at the ball of the foot.
The midfoot has five irregularly shaped tarsal
bones, forms the foot's arch, and serves as a shock absorber. The
bones of the midfoot are connected to the forefoot and the hindfoot
by muscles and the plantar fascia ligament.
The hindfoot is composed of three joints and
links the midfoot to the ankle. The top of the talus is connected to
the two long bones of the lower leg forming a hinge that allows the
foot to move up and down. The heel bone is the largest bone in the
foot. It joins the talus to form the subtalar joint, which enables
the foot to rotate at the ankle.
Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments
A
network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments supports the bones and
joints in the foot.
There are 20 muscles in the foot that give the foot
its shape by holding the bones in position and expand and contract
to impart movement. The main muscles of the foot are:
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the anterior tibia, which enables the foot to
move upward.
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the posterior tibia, which supports the arch.
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the peroneal tibia, which controls movement on
the outside of the ankle.
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the extensors, which help the ankle raise the
toes to initiate the act of stepping forward.
-
the flexors, which help stabilize the toes
against the ground.
Common Problems
►
Heel pain
►
Hammertoe/Claw toe
► Arthritis
► Foot pain –
callus
► Diabetic foot
►
Tendonitis
If you're experiencing pain, discomfort or
have any questions about your ankle please call 1-925-939-8585
8:00
AM–5:00 PM,
Monday through Thursday, 8:00
AM–4:00 PM Friday.
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