Bones of the foot

Bones of the Foot

The human foot is a complex structure composed of 26 bones, which are divided into three main sections: the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hindfoot. These bones work together to provide support, balance, and mobility.

Forefoot

The forefoot consists of five toes (phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals). Each toe, except the big toe, has three phalangeal bones: the proximal phalanges, the middle phalanges, and the distal phalanges. The big toe, or hallux, has only two phalangeal bones, the proximal and distal.

Midfoot

The midfoot is a pyramid-like collection of bones that form the foot's arches. These include the three cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone, and the navicular bone. These bones are connected to the forefoot and the hindfoot by muscles and the plantar fascia.

Hindfoot

The hindfoot is composed of the talus bone or ankle bone and the calcaneus bone or heel bone. The talus bone supports the leg bones (tibia and fibula), forming the ankle. The calcaneus bone is the largest bone in the foot and forms the foundation of the rear part of the foot.

Function

The bones of the foot provide mechanical support for standing, walking, and running. They absorb and distribute the body's weight across the foot. The foot's arches play a crucial role in how the foot functions, providing a spring-like system to assist in moving the body.

Related Conditions

Various conditions can affect the bones of the foot, including fractures, bunions, hammertoe, and osteoarthritis. Treatment for these conditions can range from conservative management to surgical intervention.

See Also

• Anatomy of the human foot
• Foot and ankle surgery
• Podiatry