Arches of the Foot

Question 1

how many arches are there in the foot?

Answer 1

3

Question 2

what are the 3 arches of the foot?

Answer 2

medial longitudinal
lateral longitudinal
anterior transverse

Question 3

what is the role of the arches of the foot?

Answer 3

shape allows them to act as a ‘spring’ when bearing bodyweight

Question 4

what longitudinal arch lies on the ground when in standing?

Answer 4

lateral longitudinal arch

Question 5

what ligaments support the medial longitudinal arch?

Answer 5

plantar and medial ligaments of ankle joint

Question 6

what ligaments support the lateral longitudinal arch?

Answer 6

plantar ligaments

Question 7

what ligaments support the transverse arch of the foot?

Answer 7

plantar and deep transverse metatarsals

Question 8

what is pes cavus? what does this result in?

Answer 8

• high medial longitudinal arch
• results in walking foot not absorbing shock well
• leads to radiating pain in foot

Question 9

what is pes planus? what does this result in?

Answer 9

• longitudinal arches are lost / “flat-footedness”
• generally results in no symptoms

Question 10

label the arches of the foot

Answer 10

Question 11

label the cross section of the transverse arch of the foot:

Answer 11