Foot & Ankle Anatomy

What is the Talus?

The talus is a small bone located above the heel bone (calcaneus) that connects the leg to the foot. It is a critical component of the ankle joint, allowing for movement and weight distribution.

What is the Calcaneus?

The calcaneus, commonly known as the heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot and serves as the foundation for the rear part of the foot. It supports body weight during standing and walking, providing stability and movement at the ankle joint.

What are the Tarsals?

The tarsals are a group of seven bones located in the midfoot, which include the talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones. They play a vital role in supporting the structure of the foot and enabling complex movements.

What are the Metatarsals?

The metatarsals are five long bones in the midfoot that connect the tarsal bones to the toe bones (phalanges). They provide support, balance, and mobility to the foot during walking and running.

Identify the 5th Metatarsal and its significance.

The 5th metatarsal is the outermost long bone of the foot, connecting to the little toe. It plays a crucial role in weight distribution and stability during movement and is a common site for fractures.

What are Phalanges (in the context of the foot)?

The phalanges are the digital bones of the toes, consisting of three bones per toe (proximal, middle, and distal) except for the big toe, which has only two. They contribute to the overall structure, balance, and movement of the foot.

What is the Medial Malleolus?

The medial malleolus is the bony protrusion on the inner aspect of the ankle, formed by the lower end of the tibia. It serves as an important landmark for ligaments and is crucial in providing ankle stability. Distal end of the tibia. Medial side

What is the Lateral Malleolus?

The bony bump on the lateral side of the ankle. It is the distal end of the fibula.

What is the 1st M-P Joint?

The First Metatarsophalangeal Joint. It is the joint at the base of the big toe (where the 1st metatarsal meets the 1st proximal phalanx). It is a common site for bunions.

What does ATFL stand for and what does it connect?

Anterior Talofibular Ligament. A ligament on the lateral (outer) side of the ankle connecting the fibula to the talus. It is the most commonly injured ankle ligament.

What does CFL stand for and what does it connect?

Calcaneofibular Ligament. A ligament on the lateral (outer) side of the ankle connecting the fibula to the calcaneus. It sits below the ATFL.

Describe the Achilles Tendon.

The thickest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the back of the calcaneus (heel). It is vital for pushing off the ground (walking, jumping).

What are the primary functions and location of the Anterior Tibialis?

Located in the front of the lower leg. Its tendon runs down the front of the ankle to the inner foot. It is responsible for dorsiflexion (pulling foot upward) and inversion.

Where is the Posterior Tibialis Tendon located and what is its main role?

It passes behind the medial malleolus (inner ankle bump) and attaches to the underside of the foot. It is a key supporter of the foot's arch and helps with plantar flexion and inversion.