The foot and ankle joint complex

Question 1

What are the functions of the ankle?

Answer 1

Absorb loading forces
Adapt to uneven ground
Allow efficient propulsion

Question 2

Role of the tibia and fibula

Answer 2

Act as pulley for tendons of muscles that run directly behind them, thus increasing mechanical advantage for inversion and eversion muscles

Question 3

Calcaneous

Answer 3

Weight bearing heel bone

Question 4

Talus

Answer 4

Transmits weight from the tibia to the calcaneus and navicular

Question 5

What is the anatomical word for ankle joint

Answer 5

Talocural

Question 6

What is the anatomical word for subtler joint

Answer 6

Talocalcaneal

Question 7

Pronation

Answer 7

Involve motion is all 3 planes
Pronation - flat
Supination - high arches

Question 8

Why are heels unstable?

Answer 8

The decrease in stability of when the ankle foot is plantar flexed. (Dorsiflexion allows for much less movement literally than when plantarflexed)
Also less stable when waling downhill than up

Question 9

What is the tendency to fall forward restricted by?

Answer 9

Plantarflexors in the calf muscles

Question 10

Functions of the foot

Answer 10

Support weight
Absorb shock
Rigid support to propel the body
Generally weight transferred from calcareous to 5th metatarsal head to 1st metatarsal

Question 11

Medial longitudinal arch

Answer 11

calcaneus - navicular - 3 cuneiforms - 3 medial metatarsals

Question 12

Lateral longitudinal arch

Answer 12

calcaneus - cuboid - 4th and 5th metatarsals

Question 13

Anterior transverse arch

Answer 13

under heads of metatarsals

Flattens out as bear weight

Question 14

Posterior transverse arch

Answer 14

Under 3 cuneiforms and cuboid

Question 15

What factors maintain the arch of the foot?

Answer 15

Wedge shaped bones, ligaments, plantar aponeurosis, intrinsic muscles, long muscles

Question 16

Inversion trains

Answer 16

Lateral ligaments are weaker than medial ligaments
Lateral malleolus projects futher distally
Uneven surfaces

Question 17

Eversion sprain

Answer 17

Medial structures damaged

Question 18

Plantar fasciitis

Answer 18

Pain at the most anterior portion of the heel pad
Medial tubercle
Worst with the first step in the morning
Pain increases with active dorsiflexion of the first toe

Question 19

Shin splits

Answer 19

Medial tibial stress syndrome
Strain of tibalis posterior and sheath where they attach to periosteum
Due to repetitive activity

Question 20

Tendinitis

Answer 20

Inflammation of tendons e.g Achillis