Anatomy of the Lower Leg Ankle and Foot Flashcards
When is the joint unstable?
The joint is unstable during plantar flexion
What are the ligaments of the ankle?
- Supported on each side by strong collateral ligaments
- Medial or deltoid ligament & Lateral ligament
There is a thin fibrous capsule in front and behind
What are the three slips of the medial/deltoid ligament?
From medial malleolus to the talus, calcaneus and navicular
What is the purpose of the medial deltoid ligament?
Stabilises the joint during eversion
What is more commonly injured the lateral ligament or the medial/deltoid ligament?
Lateral because it is weaker than the medial ligament
•Commonly involved in ankle injuries
How many slips does the lateral ligament have?
3
Which muscles are involved in dorsiflexion of the foot?
- Tibialis anterior
- Extensor digitorum longus
- Extensor hallucis longus
- Peroneus or fibular tertius
Which muscles are involved in plantar flextion of the foot?
- Gastronemius
- soleus
- Assisted by plantaris,
- Fibialis posterior
- Flexor hallucis longus
- Flexor digitorum longus
What does excessive inversion and eversion of the ankle cause?
What is footballers ankle?
•Footballer’s ankle - repeated strain on the anterior capsule
What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
•Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (tibial nerve compression – Deep to flexor retinacula)
What are the functions of the foot?
- Support the body in standing & progression
- Lever it forwards in walking, running & jumping
What is the skeleton of the foot divided into?
It is divided into the tarsus, metatarsus and the phalanges
Where does inversion and eversion take place in the foot?
•Movements occur at subtalar & transeverse tarsal joint
Subtalar joint (calcaneus and the talus)
Trnsverse tarsal joint is formed by the articulation of the calcaneus with the cuboid and the articulation of the talus with the navicular.
Which muscles are responsible for inversion?
Tibialis anterior and posterior
Which muscles are responsible for eversion?
Fibularis longus and brevis
What is the function of the arches of the foot?
Distribute weight over the foot
They act as springboards during walking, running and jumping
What are the arches of the foot?
Longitudinal (medial and lateral parts)
Transverse arch - run from side to side
All parts act as a unit in spreading the weight
What maintains the integrity of the arches of the foot?
Maintained by:-
- Shape of the united bones
- Plantar aponeurosis
- Long & short plantar ligaments
- Spring ligament (calcaneonavicular)
- Intrinsic muscles of foot
Why do shildren before the age of three have flat feet?
Due to subcutaneous fat
What demographic are flat feet common in?
Old people
How are flat feet acquired?
Due to dysfunction of tibialis posterior (arch support)
What is the cause of high arched foot?
Congenital
