The foot and ankle form a complex structure consisting of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves that work together to provide support, stability, and mobility to the lower limb.
The foot has 26 bones and the ankle has three bones. The bones of the foot are divided into three sections: the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot. The hindfoot consists of the heel bone (calcaneus) and the ankle bone (talus). The midfoot is made up of five bones called the tarsals, while the forefoot contains the metatarsals and phalanges, which make up the toes.
The ankle joint connects the leg and the foot and is formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus. The joint allows for plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the foot, which are movements that involve pointing the foot downward or upward, respectively. There are also several joints in the midfoot and forefoot, which allow for movement and flexibility in the foot.
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones and help provide stability to the joints. There are numerous ligaments in the foot and ankle, including the medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle, which prevent excessive inward and outward movement of the ankle joint.
The muscles of the foot and ankle are responsible for movement and stability. There are many muscles that originate from the leg and insert into the foot, allowing for plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion of the foot. The muscles of the foot also help maintain the arches of the foot, which provide shock absorption and support during walking and running.
The foot and ankle are innervated by several nerves, including the tibial nerve, the peroneal nerve, and the sural nerve. These nerves provide sensation and motor function to the muscles and skin of the foot and ankle.
