Anatomy of the Foot

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body. It consists of 28 bones connected by many joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The foot is prone to many types of injuries. Foot pain and problems can cause pain and inflammation, limiting movement.

• Musclescontract and relax to move the foot.

• Tendonsare tough fibers that connect muscles to bones.

• Ligamentsare fibrous strands that connect bones.

• Nervestravel throughout the foot, providing feeling.

• Nailsprotect the tips of the toes.

• Phalangesare the toe bones.

• Metatarsalsare the bones between the toes and the ankle bones.

• Tarsalsare bones of the rear foot (hindfoot) or middle foot (midfoot).

• The talusis one of the ankle bones.

• The calcaneusis the heel bone.

• The archis formed by bones and held in place with ligaments.

• Jointsare the meeting points between two bones. They are lined with cartilage. Cartilage is smooth tissue that allows joints to move easily.

• The plantar fasciais a sheet of fibrous tissue that supports the arch and encloses muscles there.