foot arthrology

Question 1

what are the functions of the foot

Answer 1

1. Base of support
2. Adapt to uneven surfaces
3. Shock absorber
4. Provide propulsion

Question 2

what is the plantar vault

Answer 2

the area supported by the 3 arches

Question 3

what are the 3 arches

Answer 3

medial arch

lateral arch

anterior transverse arch

Question 4

what points of the plantar vault contact the ground

Answer 4

head metatarsal 1

head metatarsal 5

calcaneal; tuberosity

Question 5

features of the medial arch

Answer 5

Highest Arch
No contact with ground.
Extremely flexible.

Question 6

what are the 5 bones in the medial arch

Answer 6

watch slide

Question 7

features of the lateral arch

Answer 7

Flatter than medial arch.
In contact with ground.
More rigid than medial arch.

Question 8

what are the 3 bones in the lateral arch

Answer 8

watch slide

Question 9

features of the anterior transverse arch

Answer 9

 Relatively flat.
 Contacts ground.

Question 10

what bones make up the anterior transverse arch

Answer 10

Formed by heads of the 5 metatarsals.

Question 11

what helps maintain the arches

Answer 11

Shape of stones.
Strength of supports

Question 12

how does the shape of stones maintain arches

Answer 12

 Wedge-shaped stones interlock, keeping them together.
 Relies on the top “keystone” for support.

Question 13

what are staples

Answer 13

 Stones bound together underneath to prevent them being
separated by weight

Question 14

staples at the anterior arch

Answer 14

 Metatarsal heads
connected by deep
transverse ligaments

Question 15

what is a tie beam

Answer 15

 Connects the 2 ends of the arch & prevents them
separating when weightbearing.

Question 16

the tie beam at the medial and lateral arches

Answer 16

Plantar fascia.

Question 17

what is the plantar fascia

Answer 17

Strong layer of thick, fibrous
tissue that spans entire length of
foot.

Question 18

what is sling/ suspension

Answer 18

Arch is supported from above by a cable.

Question 19

what is the sling of the lateral arch

Answer 19

 Contraction of peroneus longus raises lateral arch

Question 20

what is a heel strike

Answer 20

 Weight is through calcaneus.
 Arches are raised.
Heel Strike

Question 21

what is a stance phase

Answer 21

 Vault is flattened –shock absorption.
 Muscles contract to stop further flattening: “Plantar Tighteners”.
Stance Phase

Question 22

what is the heel off

Answer 22

 Plantar tighteners contract further.
 Foot now a rigid lever – caught between 2 forces.

Question 23

what is toe off

Answer 23

As big toe extends,
plantar fascia tightens,
reinforcing medial arch –
“Windlass Mechanism”.

Question 24

what are the 4 movements of the foot