The foot and ankle
Our feet are made up of 26 bones with more than 33 joints arranged in columns and arches that vary in stiffness and flexibility. The bones are connected by a multitude of ligaments, controlled by muscles arising both in the leg (extrinsic) and the foot (intrinsic) making this an extremely complex structure. This complex interplay of the tendons, ligaments, bones and joints allows the most efficient stable base for walking and running.
All of these structures are at risk of injury from acute trauma and degenerative problems. Pathology affecting a single area can allow the whole process to break down.
The foot can be separated into three different parts (see below).
Forefoot is the front of the foot
The forefoot is made up of your toe bones (phalanges), which are connected to five long bones (metatarsals) by joints.
The muscles in your lower leg are attached to bones in your feet by tendons, and they control movement that allows us to stand, walk, go on tiptoes and jump.
Midfoot is the middle of the foot
The midfoot is made up of five tarsal bones. These form the arch of your foot. The tarsals are connected to the front and back of your foot by muscles and the arch ligament (the plantar fascia). They act as shock absorbers when we’re walking or running.
Hindfoot is the back of the foot
The hindfoot is made up of your heel bone (calcaneus) and your ankle (talus). They’re joined together by the subtalar joint, which allows your foot to move from side to side. Your ankle bone is joined to your leg bones (tibia and fibula) at your ankle joint, which acts as a hinge. This allows your foot to bend up and down.