Introduction to Foot and Ankle Anatomy: A Link to Physical Therapy

A comprehensive set of flashcards that cover key concepts and definitions related to foot and ankle anatomy essential for physical therapy.

Ankle

Includes structures from the proximal tibio-fibular joint through the talo-crural joint.

High Arch

Characterized by stiff ankle and foot joints, providing great torque generation but poor shock absorption.

Low Arch

Features flexible foot joints with poor leverage for torque generation.

Tibiofibular Joint

Joint formed by the connection of the tibia and fibula at both proximal and distal ends.

Deltoid Ligament

A thick medial ankle ligament that is difficult to distinguish into sections, preventing eversion sprains.

Talocrural Joint

Joint formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus that allows for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

Subtalar Joint

Joint formed by the talus and calcaneus primarily allowing for inversion and eversion of the foot.

Navicular

Bone of the foot located between the talus and cuneiforms, associated with the posterior tibialis tendon.

Cuneiforms

Three wedge-shaped bones of the foot that support the transverse arch and articulate with the metatarsals.

Metatarsal

Long bones in the foot that articulate with the phalanges and are numbered 1 to 5 from medial to lateral.

Phalanges

Bones in the toes, each toe having multiple phalanges, important for force distribution.

Plantar Aponeurosis

A thick connective tissue structure in the foot, supporting the arch and providing stability during movement.

Fibula

A bone of the lower leg, thinner than the tibia, providing lateral stability to the ankle.

Calcaneus

The largest tarsal bone in the foot, forming the heel and articulating with the talus.

Gastrocnemius

A major muscle of the calf that plantarflexes the ankle and assists in knee flexion.

Soleus

A muscle located beneath the gastrocnemius, primarily responsible for plantarflexion.

Flexor Digitorum Longus

Muscle that flexes the toes and assists in plantarflexion.

Extensor Digitorum Longus

Muscle that extends the toes and aids in dorsiflexion.

Anterior Tibial Artery

Main artery supplying the anterior compartment of the leg.

Compartment Syndrome

Condition caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, compromising blood flow.

Dorsiflexion

Movement that decreases the angle between the foot and the anterior leg.

Plantarflexion

Movement that increases the angle between the foot and the posterior leg.

Eversion

Movement in which the sole of the foot turns outward.

Inversion

Movement in which the sole of the foot turns inward.