Normal Anatomy Of The Foot And Ankle

A strong understanding of anatomy is significant to provide effective diagnoses to treat patients who face issues in parts of the foot and ankle. Anatomy is a road map, and usually, most of the foot structures are created superficial and easily palpated. The anatomical structures (bones, joints, tendons, etc) tend to hurt where it is inflamed. Thus, it becomes imperative to get a basic understanding of surface anatomy that enables orthopaedics in Delhi to establish the treatment quickly or at least narrow down the differential diagnosis. 

So, in order to comprehend the situations which affect the foot and ankle, it is significant to learn about the anatomy of parts of the foot and ankle. 

Ankle Anatomy

The ankle includes three bones, which are connected by muscles, tendons and ligaments, which connect the leg with the foot. However, in the lower leg, there are two bones called the tibia (shin bone) and the fibula. These bones articulate with the Talus or ankle bone at the tibiotalar joint (ankle joint), which enables foot movement. The bony protrusions that we can touch and see on the ankle are:

• Medial malleolus - it is the inner ankle bone created by the distal end of the tibia.
• Lateral malleolus – it is the outside ankle bone formed by the distal end of the fibula. 

Foot Anatomy

The feet have 26 bones and soft tissue structures inclusive of ligaments, nerves, tendons and vascular structures. According to medical discussion, it is divided into three parts – hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot. 

    1. The Hindfoot

The Hindfoot has a Talus (ankle bone) and calcaneus (heel bone). The calcaneus bone is the largest in the foot, while the talus bone is the highest in the foot. The calcaneus is connected to the Talus bone at the subtalar joint, which allows the foot to rotate the ankle. Moreover, the Plantar fascia Tendon runs from the calcaneus to the end of the metatarsal bones situated in the forefoot. 

    2. The Midfoot

It contains 5 tarsal bone: navicular, cuboid, and 3 cuneiform. The muscles and ligaments connect the forefoot with the hindfoot. The plantar fascia is the main ligament. The midfoot is responsible for the formation of your arches and also acts as a cushion when you walk or run. The five metatarsal joint connects the midfoot to the forefoot.

• Navigation
• Cuboid
• Cuneiform Bones

    3. Forefoot

Your toes (called phalanges) and the long bones of your feet, your metatarsals, make up your forefoot. The phalange metatarsal joint connects the metatarsals to the toes at the ball. The toes have 3 phalanges and 2 joints. The big toe, however, has two phalanges, two joints, and two sesamoid round bones, which allow the toes to move up or down. Sesamoid bone is a type of bone that grows inside a tendon and over a bony prominence.

This bone is important for its role in propulsion and weight bearing. It is the shortest, thickest, and most connected metatarsal. This bone plays a vital role in weight-bearing and propulsion.

• Phalanges
• Metatarsal

Conclusion

The parts of the foot and ankle have complex anatomy, which functions together to help in walking and running. Any of the conditions or injuries that interrupt the way these tissues work amazingly create impacts on the normal activity of the foot and ankle. If you face any pain in your ankle and foot, then consult with an orthopaedic in Delhi. In our clinic, we use the best technologies and techniques that help you to get back to doing what you love.