Arches of the foot Flashcards
What are the arches of the foot
Medial longitudinal
Lateral longitudinal
Anterior transverse
Functions of arches
Weight bearing
Shock absorbers
Give flexibility to allow walking and running
What forms the medial longitudinal arch
Calcaneus Talus Navicular 3 cuneiforms Metatarsals 1-3
What muscles support the medial longitudinal arch
Tibialis anterior Tibialis posterior Flexor digitorum longus Flexor hallucis longus Fibularis longus Intrinsic foot muscles
What ligaments support the medial longitudinal arch
Plantar ligaments
Medial ligament of ankle
Which longitudinal arch is higher
Medial
What forms the lateral longitudinal arch
Calcaneus
Cuboid
Metatarsals 4-5
What muscles support the lateral longitudinal arch
Fibularis longus
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexor hallucis longus
Intrinsic muscles of foot
What ligaments support the lateral longitudinal arch
Plantar ligaments
What forms the transverse arch
Metatarsals
Cuboid
3 cuneiforms
(In coronal plane)
What muscles support the transverse arch
Fibularis longus
Tibialis posterior
What ligaments support the transverse arch
Plantar ligaments
Deep transverse metatarsal ligaments
What is pes cavus
High medial longitudinal arch
Diminished ability to shock absorb so more stress is placed on ball and heel of foot
Symptoms of pes cavus
Pain in foot which can radiate to ankle, leg, thigh or hip
Causes of pes cavus
Primary - idiopathic, hereditary, congenital e.g club foot
Secondary - neuromuscular damage e.g poliomyelitis
Treatment for pes cavus
Use special shoes or sole cushioning inserts
Weight loss to reduce amount of weight the foot has to bear
What is pes planus
Longitudinal arches have been lost or don’t form (develop at 2-3) leading to abnormally flattened feet
Causes of pes planus
Damage to tendons involved in arches
Symptoms of pes planus
Usually asymptomatic
In children, foot and ankle pain
In adults, foot and ankle ache after prolonged activity
Treatment for pes planus
Use of arch supporting inserts for shoes
