Bottom parts of the foot: detailed guide

Bottom parts of the foot

The bottom part of the foot, also known as the sole or plantar surface, has several distinct regions and structures:

1. Heel (Calcaneus)

• The back part of the foot where most of the weight is initially absorbed when walking or running.
• Protected by a thick fat pad to cushion impact.

2. Arch

• Comprised of three arches:
  • Medial Longitudinal Arch: Runs along the inside of the foot.
  • Lateral Longitudinal Arch: Runs along the outside of the foot.
  • Transverse Arch: Crosses the midfoot horizontally.
• Provides support, balance, and shock absorption.

3. Ball of the Foot

• Located at the base of the toes, particularly under the metatarsal heads.
• Takes significant pressure during activities like running and jumping.

4. Toes (Phalanges)

• Five toes, including the big toe (hallux), which aids in balance and push-off.
• The tips of the toes (distal phalanges) interact with the ground.

5. Plantar Fascia

• A thick band of connective tissue extending from the heel to the ball of the foot.
• Supports the arch and absorbs shocks.

6. Pads

• Metatarsal Pads: Cushion the ball of the foot.
• Heel Pad: Protects the calcaneus bone and absorbs impact.

7. Skin

• Tough and thickened in weight-bearing areas for protection.
• Contains sweat glands for temperature regulation.

Anatomy of the foot

The foot anatomy is complex and designed for support, balance, and mobility. It can be divided into three main regions: the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot, each with specific bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

1. Bones

The foot contains 26 bones, categorized as follows:

Forefoot:

• 14 Phalanges (toe bones):
  • 2 in the big toe (proximal and distal).
  • 3 in each of the other toes (proximal, middle, distal).
• 5 Metatarsals:
  • Long bones in the mid-section of the forefoot.
  • Numbered 1-5, starting from the big toe.

Midfoot:

• 5 Tarsal Bones:
  • Navicular.
  • Cuboid.
  • 3 Cuneiforms (medial, intermediate, lateral).

Hindfoot:

• 2 Tarsal Bones:
  • Calcaneus (heel bone): Largest bone, supports the heel.
  • Talus: Connects the foot to the ankle.

2. Joints

• Ankle Joint (Talocrural Joint): Allows dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.
• Subtalar Joint: Between the talus and calcaneus, enables inversion and eversion.
• Metatarsophalangeal Joints (MTP): Connect metatarsals to the toes.
• Interphalangeal Joints (IP): Found in the toes, allow bending.

3. Muscles

Divided into intrinsic (origin and insertion within the foot) and extrinsic (originate outside the foot):

• Intrinsic Muscles: Stabilize the arches and control fine movements. Examples include:
  • Lumbricals.
  • Interossei.
  • Flexor digitorum brevis.
• Extrinsic Muscles: Enable movement like walking and running. Examples include:
  • Tibialis anterior (dorsiflexion).
  • Gastrocnemius and soleus (plantarflexion).

4. Tendons

• Achilles Tendon: Connects the calf muscles to the heel.
• Posterior Tibial Tendon: Supports the arch.
• Peroneal Tendons: Stabilize the ankle.
• Flexor and Extensor Tendons: Control toe movement.

5. Ligaments

• Provide stability to the joints.
• Important ones include:
  • Plantar Fascia: Supports the arch and protects underlying structures.
  • Deltoid Ligament: Stabilizes the medial side of the ankle.
  • Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL): Commonly injured in ankle sprains.

6. Arches

• Medial Longitudinal Arch: The highest arch, running along the inside.
• Lateral Longitudinal Arch: Lower and runs along the outside.
• Transverse Arch: Runs horizontally across the midfoot.

7. Nerves

• Provide sensation and motor control:
  • Tibial Nerve: Main nerve of the sole.
  • Sural Nerve: Supplies the lateral foot.
  • Deep Peroneal Nerve: Supplies the dorsum of the foot.

8. Blood Vessels

• Arteries supplying the foot include:
  • Dorsalis Pedis Artery: On the top of the foot.
  • Posterior Tibial Artery: Supplies the sole.

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Paula Mareen

Paula Maureen has collaborated with famous shoe brands and designed popular women’s sandals. As a proofreader, she contributes to foot wisdom.