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Foot Anatomy
Bones of the Foot
• The bones of the foot are divided into 3 groups:
– Hindfoot (Talus and Calcaneus)
– Midfoot (Navicular, Cuneiforms and Cuboid)
– Forefoot (Metatarsals and Phalanges)
• Each section of the foot serves a different
function during gait.
Group 1: The Hindfoot (Tarsus)
• Bones are closely packed together
• Thick, strong and not excessively mobile
• Designed to take most of the step shock
– Bear the weight of impact with each step
– Provide stability to foot structure during gait
Group 2: The Midfoot (Metatarsus)
• Designed for resilience and shock absorption
– The Midfoot absorbs the most shock
– It also transfers body weight through to the toes
• Known as the “Spring” section of the foot
• Acts as a flexible bridge from hindfoot to
phalanges
Group 3: The Phalanges (Toes)
• Toes, or phalanges, help to balance the foot
• They grip the ground while running which
creates propulsion
• The most important phalange: the first or
“great” toe
– It is responsible for the majority of the foot’s balancing
capability
The Four Arches of the Foot
• Inner (Medial) Longitudinal
– Located on the inside of the foot from ball to heel
• Outer (Lateral) Longitudinal
– Located on the Outside of the foot from ball to heel
• Transverse
– Located just in front of the heel
• Metatarsal
– Located just behind the ball of the foot
Major Ligaments
• Ligaments maintain the foot’s arches
• They are powerful bands of tissue that hold
joints together
• They help preserve the foot against torsions
and stresses of gait
• Most important to the integrity of the arch is the
plantar fascia ligament
Tendons
Tendons connect bone to muscle
The “Posterior Tibial” tendon is the strongest tendon in the foot.
Without it, the arch would fall