Arches of the Foot Flashcards
What are the main arches of the foot?
The main arches of the foot are the medial longitudinal arch, lateral longitudinal arch, and transverse arch.
What bones form the medial longitudinal arch of the foot?
The medial longitudinal arch is formed by the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuneiforms, and first three metatarsals.
What structures provide support to the medial longitudinal arch?
The medial longitudinal arch is supported by the plantar fascia, spring ligament, tibialis anterior and posterior tendons, and intrinsic foot muscles.
What bones form the lateral longitudinal arch of the foot?
The lateral longitudinal arch is formed by the calcaneus, cuboid, and fourth and fifth metatarsals.
What structures maintain the stability of the lateral longitudinal arch?
The lateral longitudinal arch is maintained by the long and short plantar ligaments, fibularis longus and brevis tendons, and intrinsic foot muscles.
What bones contribute to the transverse arch of the foot?
The transverse arch is formed by the cuboid, cuneiforms, and bases of the metatarsals.
What is the function of the arches of the foot?
The arches of the foot absorb shock, provide flexibility, distribute weight, and aid in propulsion during walking.
What ligament is the primary support of the medial longitudinal arch?
The spring ligament (plantar calcaneonavicular ligament) is the primary support of the medial longitudinal arch.
How does the plantar aponeurosis contribute to arch support?
The plantar aponeurosis helps maintain the arches by providing tension and distributing pressure during weight-bearing.
What is the role of the spring ligament in foot arch support?
The spring ligament supports the head of the talus and prevents medial longitudinal arch collapse.
Which tendons help maintain the integrity of the medial longitudinal arch?
The tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and fibularis longus tendons help maintain the medial longitudinal arch.
What muscles support the lateral longitudinal arch?
The fibularis longus, fibularis brevis, and intrinsic foot muscles support the lateral longitudinal arch.
How does the fibularis longus tendon contribute to foot arch stability?
The fibularis longus tendon stabilizes the transverse and lateral longitudinal arches by anchoring the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform.
What role do intrinsic foot muscles play in arch maintenance?
Intrinsic foot muscles (e.g., flexor hallucis brevis, abductor hallucis) help maintain arch shape and function.
Which muscles provide dynamic support to the transverse arch?
The tibialis posterior, fibularis longus, and intrinsic foot muscles (e.g., adductor hallucis) support the transverse arch.
What are the weight-bearing areas of the foot in normal posture?
The weight-bearing areas of the foot are the calcaneus, first metatarsal head, and fifth metatarsal head.
What is pes planus, and how does it affect the arches of the foot?
Pes planus (flatfoot) is the loss of the medial longitudinal arch, leading to foot instability and altered gait mechanics.
What is pes cavus, and how does it affect foot biomechanics?
Pes cavus (high arch) is an exaggerated medial longitudinal arch, often causing foot rigidity and increased pressure on the metatarsal heads.
What is the clinical significance of arch collapse in the foot?
Arch collapse can cause pain, gait abnormalities, and increased risk of plantar fasciitis and stress fractures.
How does aging affect the arches of the foot?
Aging leads to decreased ligament elasticity and muscle strength, which can result in arch flattening.
What are the main differences between rigid and flexible flatfoot?
Rigid flatfoot has a structurally collapsed arch, whereas flexible flatfoot appears normal when non-weight-bearing but flattens during standing.
What imaging modalities are used to assess foot arch integrity?
Imaging modalities such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs assess foot arch structure and integrity.
How do foot orthotics help in managing arch abnormalities?
Foot orthotics provide support and correction for arch abnormalities, improving biomechanics and reducing pain.
What is the windlass mechanism, and how does it relate to foot arches?
The windlass mechanism describes how dorsiflexion of the great toe tightens the plantar fascia, reinforcing the medial longitudinal arch.
How do high-heeled shoes affect foot arch biomechanics?
High-heeled shoes shift weight anteriorly, increasing pressure on the metatarsals and altering arch biomechanics.
What are the consequences of excessive pronation on the foot arches?
Excessive pronation can lead to arch collapse, overuse injuries, and medial ankle pain.
How does the plantar fascia contribute to the arches of the foot?
The plantar fascia provides passive tension that helps maintain the medial longitudinal arch.
What role does the calcaneus play in the foot’s arches?
The calcaneus serves as the posterior foundation for the longitudinal arches and absorbs impact forces.
How does the talus contribute to arch stability in the foot?
The talus acts as a keystone for the medial longitudinal arch, distributing weight and maintaining stability.
What are the main differences in function between the medial and lateral longitudinal arches?
The medial longitudinal arch is higher and more elastic, while the lateral longitudinal arch is lower and more rigid for weight transfer.
