Structural Kinesiology Ankle and Foot

Covers arches, joints, muscles and common injuries.

Longitudinal Arch

This one people can see, typically more important

Can be high, medium, or low

Calcaneus→Talus→Navicular→Cuneiforms→Metatarsals

Transverse Arch

Extends across the foot from the 1st to 5th metatarsal

Talocrural Joint

AKA Ankle Joint

Tibia, Fibula, and Talus

Hinge Joint only, uniaxial, allows for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion

Subtalar Joint

the joint under the talus

gliding joint allows for inversion and eversion

Transverse Tarsal Joint

gliding joint allows for inversion and eversion

What are the 4 compartments of the muscles of the foot and ankle?

1. Superficial Posterior Compartment

2. Deep Posterior Compartment

3. Anterior Compartment

4. Lateral Compartment

What are the primary plantar flexors?

1. Gastrocnemius

2. Soleus

(Superficial Posterior Compartment)

What are the primary invertors?

1. Tibialis Posterior

2. Flexor Digitorum Longus

3. Flexor Hallucis Longus

(Deep Posterior Compartment)

What are the primary dorsiflexors?

1. Tibialis Anterior

2. Extensor Digitorum Longus

3. Extensor Hallucis Longus

(Anterior Compartment)

What are the primary evertors?

1. Peroneus Longus

2. Peroneus Brevis

3. Peroneus Tertius

(Lateral Compartment)

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Symptoms:

• sudden onset of sharp pain in heel

• a snapping sound

• difficulty walking

Causes:

• sudden dorsiflexion when muscle is under tension

• sudden heavy activation of tendon after prolonged periods of inactivity

Shin Splints

• Small tears/inflammation of the muscles attached to the tibia

• Stress fractures

Ankle Sprain

• >90% caused by inversion of the joint

  • Once injury has occurred, re-injury odds increase by ~50%

What motions make up supination?

Inversion and Plantar Flexion

What motions make up pronation?

Eversion and Dorsiflexion