S5) The Foot Flashcards
Identify and describe the types of bones in the human foot
- Tarsals – seven irregularly shaped bones
- Metatarsals – five bones which connect the phalanges to the tarsals
- Phalanges – bones of the toes (4 toes - proximal, intermediate & distal, big toe - proximal & distal)
Identify the 7 tarsal bones
The talus is the most superior of the tarsal bones.
Identify and describe its three articulations
- Superior: ankle joint (tibia & fibula)
- Inferior: subtalar joint (talus & calcaneus)
- Anterior: talonavicular joint (talus and the navicular)
State two functions of the talus bone
- Transmits forces from the tibia to the calcaneus
- Acts as an attachment site for numerous ligaments
The calcaneus lies underneath the talus.
Identify and describe its two articulations
- Superior: subtalar joint (calcaneus & talus)
- Anterior: calcaneocuboid joint (calcaneus & cuboid)
State two functions of the calcaneus bone
- Transmits forces from the talus to the ground
- Acts as an attachment site for Achilles tendon (calcaneal tuberosity)
The navicular bone is the only tarsal bone in the intermediate row.
Identify its articulations
- Posterior: talus
- Anterior: three cuneiform bones
- Lateral: cuboid bone
State a function of the navicular bone
Plantar surface acts as an attachment site for the tibialis posterior tendon
The cuboid is the most lateral bone in the distal row.
Identify its articulations
- Posterior: calcaneus
- Anterior: metatarsals IV and V
State a function of the cuboid bone
Inferior surface has a groove which acts as an attachment site for the fibularis longus muscle
The three cuneiforms (lateral, intermediate and medial) are wedge shaped bones.
Identify their articulations
- Posterior: navicular
- Anterior: metatarsals I, II, III
State a function of the cuneiform bones
The shape of the bones helps form a transverse arch across the foot
What are the metatarsals?
- The metatarsals are five bones located in the midfoot, between the tarsals and phalanges (numbered I-V medially to laterally)
- They consist of a distal head and proximal base, which are joined by a shaft of bone
What are the articulations of the metatarsals?
- Proximal: tarsometatarsal joint (metatarsal bases & cuboid/cuneiforms)
- Lateral: Intermetatarsal joint (metatarsal & adjacent metatarsals)
- Distal: metatarsophalangeal joint (metatarsal head & proximal phalanx)
Identify the different arches of the foot
- Two longitudinal arches (medial and lateral)
- One anterior transverse arch
State the structure and function of the arches of the foot
- Structure: formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones, and supported by ligaments and tendons in the foot
- Function: bears the weight of the body and absorbs the shock produced during locomotion (facilitates walking and running)
Describe the structure of medial arch of the foot
- The medial arch is the higher of the two longitudinal arches
- Formed by the calcaneus, talus, navicular, three cuneiforms and metatarsals I-III
Identify and describe the different support systems of the medial arch of the foot
- Muscular support: tibialis anterior and posterior, fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis, intrinsic foot muscles
- Ligamentous support: plantar ligaments, medial ligament of malleolus
- Bony support: shape of the bones of the arch
- Other: plantar aponeurosis
Describe the structure of the lateral arch of the foot
- The lateral arch is the flatter of the two longitudinal arches (lies on the ground when standing)
- It is formed by the calcaneus, cuboid and metatarsals IV-V
Identify and describe the different support systems of the lateral arch of the foot
- Muscular support: fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis, intrinsic foot muscles
- Ligamentous support: plantar ligaments
- Bony support: shape of the bones of the arch
- Other: plantar aponeurosis
Describe the structure of the transverse arch of the foot
- The transverse arch is located in the coronal plane of the foot
- It is formed by the metatarsal bases, the cuboid and the three cuneiform bones
Identify and describe the different support systems of the transverse arch of the foot
- Muscular support: fibularis longus and tibialis posterior
- Ligamentous support: plantar ligaments and deep transverse metatarsal ligaments
- Bony support: shape of the bones of the arch
- Other support: plantar aponeurosis
What is achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that occurs when the calcaneal tendon (largest in the body) becomes irritated and inflamed due to continuous intense physical activity
What are bunions?
- A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe where there is medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation of the great toe
- Largely affects middle-aged females
What is charcot arthropathy?
- Charcot arthropathy is a progressive condition of the musculoskeletal system that is characterized by joint dislocations, pathologic fractures, and debilitating deformities
- It occurs in patients who have neuropathy and loss of sensation (diabetes)
What is a calcaneal fracture?
- A calcaneal fracture is a fracture to the calcaneal bone in the heel of the foot due to a crush injury
- The bone usually presents as a comminuted fracture when injured, often due to falling onto the heel from a great height
What is a calcaneal tendon rupture?
- An Achilles tendon rupture is a condition which occurs when achilles tendon tears (most commonly injured tendon)
- Rupture can occur while performing actions requiring explosive acceleration, such as pushing off or jumping
What is pes planus?
- Pes planus is a common condition in which the longitudinal arches have been lost
- In children it may result in foot and ankle pain, whilst in adults the feet may ache after prolonged activity.
What is pes cavus?
- Pes cavus is a foot condition characterised by an unusually high medial longitudinal arch
- It can appear in early life and become symptomatic with increasing age
