ARCHES OF FOOT CODE Flashcards
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Arches of the foot
The foot has three arches: two longitudinal arches (medial and lateral) and one anterior transverse arch. These arches are formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones and supported by ligaments and tendons.
Function of foot arches
The arches of the foot act like a spring, bearing body weight and absorbing shock during locomotion. Their flexibility aids in functions like walking and running.
Longitudinal Arches
There are two longitudinal arches in the foot: the medial and lateral arches. They are formed between the tarsal bones and the metatarsal heads.
Medial Arch
The medial arch is the higher of the two longitudinal arches. It is formed by the calcaneus, talus, navicular, three cuneiforms, and first three metatarsal bones.
Medial Arch Support: Muscular
Muscular support for the medial arch includes tibialis anterior and posterior, fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis, and intrinsic foot muscles.
Medial Arch Support: Ligamentous
Ligamentous support for the medial arch includes the long plantar, short plantar, and plantar calcaneonavicular ligaments, along with the medial ligament of the ankle joint.
Medial Arch Support: Bony and Other
Bony support comes from the shape of the bones of the arch. Other support is provided by the plantar aponeurosis.
Lateral Arch
The lateral arch is flatter than the medial arch and lies on the ground when standing. It is formed by the calcaneus, cuboid, and the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones.
Lateral Arch Support: Muscular
Muscular support for the lateral arch includes fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and intrinsic foot muscles.
Lateral Arch Support: Ligamentous
Ligamentous support for the lateral arch includes the long plantar, short plantar, and plantar calcaneonavicular ligaments.
Lateral Arch Support: Bony and Other
Bony support comes from the shape of the bones of the arch. Other support is provided by the plantar aponeurosis.
Transverse Arch
The transverse arch is located in the coronal plane of the foot, formed by the metatarsal bases, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones.
Transverse Arch Support: Muscular
Muscular support for the transverse arch includes fibularis longus and tibialis posterior.
Transverse Arch Support: Ligamentous
Ligamentous support for the transverse arch includes the long plantar, short plantar, plantar calcaneonavicular ligaments, and deep transverse metatarsal ligaments.
Transverse Arch Support: Bony and Other
Bony support comes from the wedged shape of the bones of the arch. Other support is provided by the plantar aponeurosis.
Pes Cavus (High Arches)
Pes cavus is a condition characterized by an unusually high medial longitudinal arch, leading to diminished shock absorption during walking and increased stress on the ball and heel of the foot.
Symptoms of Pes Cavus
Symptoms of pes cavus include foot pain that may radiate to the ankle, leg, thigh, and hip. The pain results from stress on the hindfoot during the gait cycle.
Causes of Pes Cavus
Pes cavus can be idiopathic, hereditary, due to congenital foot problems (e.g., club foot), or secondary to neuromuscular damage (e.g., poliomyelitis).
Treatment for Pes Cavus
Treatment for pes cavus typically involves special shoes, sole cushioning inserts, and weight reduction to alleviate symptoms.
Pes Planus (Flat Foot)
Pes planus, or flat-footedness, is a condition in which the longitudinal arches are lost. Flat feet during infancy are normal, as arches form between ages 2-3.
Causes of Pes Planus
Pes planus can occur due to damage to the tendons or because the arches never developed. It may also result from direct injury or trauma.
Symptoms of Pes Planus
Pes planus usually causes no symptoms in adults but may lead to foot and ankle pain in children or aching after prolonged activity in adults.
Treatment for Pes Planus
Treatment for pes planus generally involves the use of arch-supporting inserts for shoes.
