The skeleton of the bones of the foot. Below are the most common foot diseases

The foot is the distal part of the lower limb of a person and is a complex articulation of small bones that form a peculiar and strong arch and serve as a support during movement or standing. The bottom of the foot that is in direct contact with the ground is called the sole (or foot), the opposite side is called the back of the foot. According to the structure of the skeleton of the foot, it can be divided into 3 parts:

• tarsus,
• metatarsus,
• phalanges of the fingers.

The multi-articulation and arched construction of the foot is surprisingly strong, yet flexible and resilient at the same time. The main function of the foot is to keep the human body in an upright position and ensure its movement in space.

Foot skeleton

To understand the structure of the joints of the foot, you need to have an idea of ​​the anatomy of its bones. Each foot is made up of 26 separate bones that are divided into 3 parts.

Tarsus:

• talus,
• calcaneal,
• scaphoid,
• lateral, intermediate and medial wedge-shaped,
• cuboid.

Metatarsus, which consists of 5 short tubular bones located between the tarsus and proximal phalanges of the toes.

The phalanges of the toes are short tubular bones that form the segments of the toes (proximal, intermediate, and distal phalanges). All fingers, except the first, consist of 3 phalanges. Thumb in its composition has only 2 phalanges, as well as on the hands.

Features of the joints of the foot

Intermetatarsal

The metatarsal bones form a whole group of joints among themselves. Let's consider them in more detail.

Podtaranny

The calcaneus and talus are involved in its formation. The joint is cylindrical. The joint capsule is loose. The surfaces of the bones that form the joint are covered with smooth hyaline cartilage, along the edge of which the joint capsule is attached. Outside, the joint is additionally reinforced with several ligaments: interosseous, lateral and medial, talocalcaneal.

Talocalcaneonavicular

As the name implies, the joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the talus, calcaneus and scaphoid bones. Located in front of the podtaranny. The talus forms the head of the joint, and the other two form the glenoid cavity for it. The joint is spherical in shape, but movements in it are possible only around one sagittal axis. The articulation capsule is attached to the edges of the hyaline cartilage that covers the articular surfaces. The joint is strengthened by such ligaments: talonavicular, calcaneonavicular plantar.

Heel-cuboid

Located between the articular surfaces of the calcaneus and cuboid bones. The articulation is saddle-shaped, but movements are possible only around one axis. The capsule is taut and attached to the edges of the articular cartilage. The joint participates in the movements of the two previous joints, increasing the range of motion. It is strengthened by the following ligaments: long plantar, heel-cuboid plantar.

This joint, together with the talocalcaneal-scaphoid joint, is usually isolated into one joint, which is called the transverse joint of the tarsus. The articulation line is S-shaped. Both joints are separated from each other, but have one common ligament - bifurcated.

Wedge-shaped

This is a complex articulation, in the construction of which the scaphoid, cuboid and three wedge-shaped bones of the tarsus take part. All individual joints are enclosed in one joint capsule, which is attached to the edges of the articular cartilage. The joint is strengthened by such ligaments and is inactive:

• dorsal and plantar wedge-shaped,
• dorsal and plantar cuboid-navicular,
• dorsal and plantar cube-shaped,
• dorsal and plantar interclinear.

Tarsometatarsal

This group of joints connects the bones of the tarsus and metatarsus. There are three such joints in total:

• between the medial sphenoid bone and 1 metatarsal;
• between the lateral, intermediate cuneiform and 2-3 metatarsal bones;
• between the cuboid and 4-5 metatarsal bones.

The first joint is saddle-shaped, the rest are flat. The line of these joints is uneven. Each articulation has a separate capsule that attaches to the edges of the articular hyaline cartilage. The joints are strengthened by such ligaments: dorsal and plantar tarsometatarsal, interosseous metatarsal and cuneiform.

Intermetatarsal

These are small joints that connect the bases of the individual metatarsal bones together. Each such joint is strengthened by ligaments: interosseous metatarsal, dorsal and plantar metatarsal. The space between the metatarsal tubular bones is called the interosseous metatarsal spaces.

Metatarsophalangeal

The heads of the 5 metatarsal bones and the bases of the proximal phalanges of the fingers take part in the construction of these joints. Each articulation has its own capsule, which is attached to the edges of the articulation cartilage, it is poorly tensioned. All these joints are spherical in shape.

The capsule is not reinforced on the back side, collateral ligaments are present on the sides, and plantar ligaments are present on the plantar side. In addition, a deep transverse metatarsal ligament runs between the heads of all metatarsal bones.

Interphalangeal joints of the foot

This group of joints connects the proximal phalanges of the fingers with the intermediate ones, and the intermediate ones with the distal ones. In shape, they are block-shaped. The articular capsule is thin, reinforced with plantar ligaments from below, and collateral ligaments on the sides.

Joints and ligaments of the metatarsus and phalanges of the toes

Frequent illnesses

Every day, the joints of the foot are subjected to tremendous loads, supporting the weight of the whole body. This leads to frequent trauma to individual components of the joints, which can be accompanied by inflammation and deformation. As a rule, the main symptom of diseases of the joints of the foot is pain, but it is difficult to immediately establish its cause, since there are many pathologies that affect these joints. Let's take a closer look at the most common of them.

Arthrosis

Deforming osteoarthritis of the joints of the feet is a fairly common pathology, especially among women. As a rule, the disease begins at the age of 40-50 years, although there are also earlier cases of pathology. Most often, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the thumb is affected.

This disease is often mistakenly called gout due to the similarity in the localization of the pathological process, although there is nothing in common between these ailments. Also, many associate the disease with the mythical deposition of salts, unhealthy diet, which also does not correspond to reality.

In fact, the formation of a bump on the joint of the big toe and deformation of other structural components of the foot are associated with negative impact the following factors and, as a rule, develops in people genetically prone to this:

• traumatic injuries to the skeleton of the foot in the past (bruises, fractures, dislocations);
• some features of the structure of the foot, for example, in persons with a wide foot;
• the presence of congenital or acquired types of deformities, for example, flat feet;
• wearing uncomfortable and fashionable shoes that do not fit in size, high-heeled shoes;
• overweight and obesity;
• constant overload of the joints of the foot (activity associated with prolonged standing, walking, running, jumping);
• a history of arthritis;
• endocrine and metabolic diseases;
• congenital or acquired deformities of the joints of the legs (hip, knee, ankle), which leads to an incorrect distribution of the load on the feet and their constant microtrauma.

The disease is characterized by 3 stages and slow but steady progression:

• Stage 1: the patient complains of pain in the feet, which occurs after prolonged overload or at the end of the working day, quickly passes after a few hours of rest on its own. There is no deformity as such yet, but those who are attentive to themselves may notice a minimal deviation of the thumb outward. Also, a crunch is often observed when moving in the joints.
• Stage 2: now the pain appears even after normal exertion and often patients have to resort to treatment with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate it. The deformation of the toe becomes noticeable, the size of the shoe increases in all patients, it becomes difficult to fit it, given the protruding bone and the deviation of the thumb to the side.
• Stage 3: the pain becomes constant and is not completely relieved by analgesics. The toe and the entire foot are severely deformed, the support function of the foot is partially lost.

Three stages of deforming osteoarthritis of the foot

To treat the disease you need to start at initial stages... Only in this case can you slow down its progression. The main therapeutic measures Is the elimination of all risk factors and possible reasons development of arthrosis. In addition, medicinal therapy methods, various folk remedies, physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises can be used. In the case when the pathological process has gone far, only an operation will help. Surgical intervention can be sparing (arthrodesis, resection of exostoses, arthroplasty) or radical (endoprosthetics).

Arthritis

Absolutely all joints of the foot can become inflamed. Depending on the causes, primary and secondary arthritis are distinguished. In the first case, the joint is directly damaged, in the second, its inflammation is a consequence of the underlying disease.

Deformity of the feet in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of arthritis are more or less similar. Patients complain about:

• pain in the affected joints, the nature and intensity of which depend on the etiology of the inflammation;
• swelling of the affected joint or the whole foot;
• redness of the skin over the inflamed area;
• in some cases, signs of general malaise appear: fever, general weakness, fatigue, pain in the muscles of the body, disturbed sleep and appetite, skin rash;
• dysfunction of the articulation due to pain and swelling;
• in the case of chronic arthritis, gradual deformation of the foot and partial or complete loss of its functions.

Gouty arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe

Treatment of arthritis should primarily focus on addressing its root cause. Therefore, only a specialist should engage in therapy after the correct diagnosis has been made. Improper treatment is a direct path to development chronic form inflammation and deformation of the joints of the foot.

Foot deformities

Deformities of the feet can be both congenital and acquired. They are caused by a change in the shape or length of bones, shortening of tendons, pathology of muscles, articular and ligamentous apparatus feet.

With the development of this pathology, flattening of all arches of the foot occurs, due to which its amortization ability is impaired. Flat feet can be congenital, and can occur in the course of human life due to excessive loads on the lower limbs, rickets, the development of osteoporosis, various injuries, obesity, wearing inappropriate shoes, lesions of the nerve endings of the legs.

It looks like flat feet

Clubfoot

This is a fairly common type of foot deformity, usually congenital in nature. It is characterized by a shortening of the foot and its position as supination, which is caused by a subluxation in the ankle. The acquired form of deformity develops due to paresis or paralysis, traumatic injuries of soft tissues or skeleton lower limbs.

Other types of foot deformities (less common) include equine, heel and hollow feet.

There are many more diseases that can affect the joints of the feet, for example, traumatic injuries or tumors. But, as a rule, they all manifest themselves with rather similar symptoms. Therefore, in the event of pain, fatigue, edema, deformation of the structures of the foot in mandatory apply for specialized assistance, since not only your health and activity, but also your life may depend on this.

The foot is the lower anatomical part of the leg. In the language of medical terminology, it is located most distally, that is, far from the center of the body or the place of attachment to the trunk. The skeleton of the foot is quite complex and ideally corresponds to the function assigned to the human feet. They have undergone a long evolution to adapt to upright posture.

Bone base of the foot

On the foot, areas formed by certain bone groups are distinguished: the tarsal metatarsal and phalanges of the fingers.

The tarsus is the section of the foot located just below the ankle region. From above, it is bounded by a circular line drawn through the posterior edge of the calcaneus along the lower edges of the ankles, which corresponds to the upper border of the human foot. The tarsus consists of seven cancellous bones, which are arranged in two rows:

• The back row is the very part that is the main structure of the heel and consists of two relatively massive bones of a complex "irregular" shape: the talus and heel.
• The anterior row is divided into two more sections - the one that is located with (medial) and the one that is located on the side of the outer edge (lateral). The first includes three wedge-shaped bones and a scaphoid, which occupies an intermediate position between them and the head of the talus. The second is represented by only one cuboid - it is located between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bone in front and the calcaneus behind.

The metatarsus occupies an intermediate position among the three areas. Here the variety of sizes, shapes and names stops abruptly. It is built of five bones, which are very similar to those located in the metacarpus of the upper limb. They consist of several parts:

• grounds;
• body;
• heads.

The phalanges of the toes are the smallest of all the bones of the foot. Each toe is formed from three such bones, the exception is the large one - the structure of the human foot is such that it contains only two phalanges. It is also called the first, it is with it that the numbering of the toes begins - from I to V.

In addition to the bones listed, there are also special sesamoid bones, which are small in size and serve to protect the tendons and increase their shoulder strength. They can be located between the phalanges of the thumb, as well as in the area of ​​the articulations of the bones of the metatarsus and phalanges.

Ankle joint

The anatomy of the human foot is rich in interosseous joints, which, for the most part, are represented by joints - they are strengthened by ligaments. Before disassembling each separately, it is necessary to summarize general information about what a joint is. This is a synovial connection, capable of participating in a wide variety of movements, depending on its structure (in the photo of the diagram on the right). The following articular elements may be present in it:

• surfaces;
• cartilage;
• cavity;
• capsule;
• discs and menisci;
• lip.

It should be remembered that the joint is at the top of development among all the other interosseous joints; in the structure of the foot, one of them occupies a special position - it is of the most significant size and is rather complicated. Ankle joint. It is so large and powerful that it was isolated into a separate anatomical area - the “ankle joint area”. Formed from certain parts:

• The articular surfaces are formed with the help of the tibia and fibula, their lower ends - they form a notch for, covering it from several sides. The block is also involved in the construction of the joint. There are 6 surfaces in total.
• Hyaline cartilage covers the outer parts of the connecting surfaces, preventing them from directly contacting. It forms the joint space, defined on the radiograph as the distance between the bones.
• The joint capsule is attached just along the edge of the cartilage and in front captures a section of the talus - its neck.

Do not forget about the presence of a ligamentous apparatus, which often accompanies interosseous connections. The ankle joint is strengthened by the medial and lateral accessory ligaments. The first resembles the letter delta from the Greek alphabet: from above it is attached to the inner ankle, from below - to the scaphoid, talus and calcaneus. The second goes from the outer ankle, diverging in three directions, forming ligaments.

This joint is defined as a blocky joint: it moves around the frontal axis, only when bent, the human "paw" can make movements to the side.

Other joints of the foot and their ligamentous apparatus

There are many movable joints directly between the bones of the human foot ( complete scheme on the picture). In the tarsus region alone, there are four:

• Subtalar joint. It has a cylindrical shape, limited in mobility. The joint is supported by three connective tissue cords. Differs in functional integrity from the point of view of the clinic.
• The talocalcaneonavicular - is considered a spherical joint, but it is mobile only in one sagittal plane around the axis.
• The calcaneo-cuboid joint takes part in the motor activity of the two above. Together with the previous joint, it is called the "transverse joint of the tarsus". It is surrounded by two ligaments, which are a continuation of the so-called bifurcated ligament. It is considered the "key" of the joint, since it must be dissected in order to gain full access to it.
• Wedge-navicular joint. It is not difficult to guess what articular surfaces it consists of - all three sphenoid bones take part in their formation in front. The synovial junction is strengthened by several groups of tarsal ligaments.

The anatomy of the foot is complex and varied. In addition to the above joints of the lower part of the human leg, there are five tarsometatarsal, metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. The latter does not have to be present in the area of ​​the fifth finger, since the middle and distal phalanx of this finger can be spliced. There are also intermetatarsal joints, reinforced by the dorsal, interosseous and plantar ligaments of the metatarsus. The ligamentous and articular apparatus of the foot must be protected, since each of its elements performs a specific function that provides the most comfortable movement in this area.

Foot muscle groups

The structure of the foot, as you know, is not limited to the skeleton. The muscular composition of the human foot area, as well as the articular, is very diverse.

The table shows the muscles and their groups that descend from the lower leg to the foot.

Group	Muscle name	Function (to move the foot)
Front	Long extensor of the thumb	Extension of the big toe, as well as the foot as a whole, while lifting its inner edge
	Long finger extensor	Participates in extension, lifting of the outer edge, abduction to the side
	Anterior tibial	Extension, lifts the inner edge
Lateral	Long fibular	Pronation, abduction, flexion
	Short peroneal
Back
Surface layer	Forms the Achilles tendon	Ankle motor activity
Deep layer	Long finger flexor	Supination and flexion
	Posterior tibial	Adduction and flexion
	Long flexor of the big toe	Can bend not only the first toe, but also play a role in bending others

Considering the serious functional role of the foot, it is easy to assume that, in addition to the above-mentioned tendons attached to its bones, short muscles are located on them, by analogy with upper limbs... The structure of the human foot suggests the presence of certain groups:

• lateral;
• medium;
• back muscles;
• plantar muscles.

It is important to remember that anatomical terminology is structured in such a way that often the very name of the muscle contains its function. Often, movements are carried out by several of them at once. If one muscle is damaged, its role can be partially compensated by another that performs a similar function.

Neurovascular formations in the foot area

In humans, the body is so arranged that often blood vessels and nerves extend through the body, accompanying each other. Such relationships began to be called neurovascular bundles. They are located in almost every area.

So, the tibial bundle in front is represented by the following formations:

• anterior tibial artery;
• two anterior tibial veins;
• deep peroneal nerve.

When they transfer to the foot, their names change: the dorsal artery of the foot, the dorsal veins of the foot, and the two dorsal digital nerves, respectively. The arterial vessel branches into many branches, supplying blood to various areas of the foot. The nerve is responsible only for the movement of the short extensor of the fingers and the sensitivity of the skin of the sides of the fingers turned to each other in the area of ​​the first interdigital space. The skin of the remaining areas of the phalanges from the rear is innervated by the branches of the superficial peroneal nerve, which runs from the side of the lateral muscles of the leg.

The posterior, so-called, tibial bundle consists of certain components:

• posterior tibial artery;
• two veins of the same name;
• tibial nerve.

In the lower part of the leg, the artery gives off two branches: internal (medial) and external (lateral) plantar branches, which form two arterial arches. The tibial nerve gives off its branches to different areas of the sole, also directing one to the lateral side of the dorsum of the foot (schematic image in the photo).

The complex structure of the human foot is accompanied by an equally intricate course of nerves.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the foot is necessary for a correct understanding of almost any pathology, one way or another, associated with this area of ​​the lower limb.

In total, there are 26 bones in the foot + from 2 sesamoid (minimum). For this reason, the foot is deservedly considered the most complex anatomical formation, and, along with the hand, has earned a separate orthopedic subspecialty.

The bones of the foot, ossa pedis, are divided into three sections: the tarsus, tarsus, which forms the posterior part of the skeleton of the foot, metatarsus, metatarsus, its central section and fingers, digiti, representing the distal section.

Bones of the foot.

BONES ARE PRELIMINARY. The tarsal skeleton includes 7 bones. It is customary to distinguish two rows in it: the proximal, consisting of two bones (talus and calcaneus), and the distal, including four bones (three wedge-shaped and cuboid). Between these rows of bones is the scaphoid. The bones of the proximal row are located one above the other: below - calcaneus, calcaneus, above - talus, talus. Because of this location, the talus has a second name - the supracal.

Talus, talus, has a head, neck and body. The head, caput tali, is directed forward, has a spherical articular surface for articulation with the scaphoid bone, facies articularis navicularis. A short narrowed part of the bone departs from the head - the neck, collum tali, connecting the head to the body. The protruding part of the body with three articular surfaces is called a block, trochlea tali. Of these three articular surfaces, the upper, facies superior, serves for articulation with the tibia. The two lateral surfaces are ankle, fades malleolaris medialis et lateralis. On the side of the latter, there is a lateral process, processus lateralis tali. A rough posterior process, processus posterior tali, protrudes behind the block of the talus. It is divided by the groove of the long flexor tendon of the big toe, sulcus tendinis T. flexoris hallucis longi, into two tubercles. On the lower surface of the body there are two articular surfaces separated by a wide groove, sulcus tali: the back, facies articularis calcanea posterior, and the front, facies articularis calcanea anterior.

Talus.

Calcaneus calcaneus, is the most massive of the bones of the foot. In it, a body is distinguished, corpus calcanei, ending in the back with a heel tuber, tuber calcanei; on the medial side of the body there is a protrusion - the support of the talus, sustentaculum tali. On the upper surface of the body there are the posterior and anterior articular surfaces corresponding to those on the talus, facies articularis talaris posterior et anterior, while the anterior, like the talus, is divided into two parts, one of which (medial) extends to the sustentaculum tali. The anterior and posterior articular surfaces are separated by a wide, rough groove of the calcaneus, sulcus calcanei. This groove, together with the groove of the talus, forms a depression - the tarsal sinus, sinus tarsi, which opens on the body of the bone from the lateral side. Sustentaculum tali departs from the body of the calcaneus from the medial side. It supports the head of the talus. On its lower surface there is the already mentioned groove, sulcus tendinis T. flexoris hallucis longi, which is a continuation of the groove of the same name on the talus. On the lateral side of the calcaneus there is a small process - the peroneal block, trochlea peronealis. Under it passes the groove of the tendons of the peroneal muscles, sulcus tendinis v. peronei. At the front end of the body there is another articular platform for articulation with the cuboid bone, facies articularis cuboidea.

Calcaneus.

Scaphoid, os naviculare, so named because it resembles a boat in shape, the concavity of which faces the head of the talus. The concavity is occupied by the articular surface for the talus. The convex side is directed towards the three sphenoid bones. This surface is divided by ridges into three unequal articular sites for the named bones. On the lateral side, there is an articular surface for the cuboid bone. At the medial edge of the bone there is a tuberosity, tuberositas ossis navicularis, to which the tendon of the posterior tibial muscle is attached.

Scaphoid.

Three sphenoid bones, ossa cuneiformia, are part of the distal row of the tarsus and lie, as indicated, anterior to the scaphoid bone. All three bones live up to their name in shape, but differ from each other in size and position.

Internal, median, external sphenoid bones.

Os cuneiforme mediale is the largest of the three named bones, with the edge of the wedge facing the back of the foot, and the widened base towards the sole. It has three articular surfaces: posterior (depressed) - for articulation with the scaphoid bone, anterior (flat) - for articulation with the first metatarsal bone, and lateral - for articulation with the sphenoid bone.

Os cuneiforme intermedium is the smallest of the three sphenoid bones in size, and the shape most closely matches the wedge. Unlike the previous bone, its base faces the back of the foot, and the sharp edge faces the sole. It has articular platforms for the surrounding bones: behind - for the scaphoid, in front - for the second metatarsal, on the outer and inner sides - for adjacent wedge-shaped ones.

Os cuneiforme laterale - in comparison with the previous ones, it is medium in size, has a regular wedge-shaped shape, with the base facing the back of the foot, and the top towards the sole. It has the following articular platforms: behind - for os naviculare, in front - for os metatarsale III, with inside- for os cuneiforme intermedium and os metatarsale II, from the outside - for os cuboideum.

Internal, median, external wedge-shaped and cuboid bones.

Cuboid, os cuboideum, is located along the lateral edge of the foot between the heel bone behind, IV and V metatarsal bones in front, therefore there are two articular platforms on its front surface, and one on the back. Inner surface is in contact with the lateral sphenoid and scaphoid bones, therefore it carries two articular surfaces for articulation with them. Moreover, the first of them (for the lateral sphenoid bone) is large in size, and the posterior one is small, sometimes absent. The lateral edge of the bone is free from the articular surfaces. On the plantar side there is a tuberosity, tuberositas ossis cuboidei, in front of which there is a groove for the passage of the tendon of the long peroneal muscle, sulcus tendinis musculi peronei longi.

Bones are platy... Metatarsus, tarsus, consists of five short tubular bones with a body, corpus, head, caput, and base, basis. The bones of the metatarsus are similar in shape and structure, but differ in size: the first metatarsal bone (located on the side of the thumb) is the shortest and most massive, the second is the longest. The heads of the metatarsal bones are narrowed in comparison with the bones of the metacarpus, significantly compressed from the sides. The bodies are prismatic, curved in the sagittal plane, convex to the rear. The bases of the metatarsal bones are articulated with the bones of the distal row of the tarsus and are provided with characteristic articular surfaces. The os metatarsale I head is divided from the plantar side by a ledge into two platforms for articulation with the sesamoid bones. At the base of this bone there is a concave surface for articulation with the os cuneiforme mediale. On the side of the sole, on the base there is tuberosity, tuberositas ossis metatarsalis I. The bases of os metatarsale II and III resemble a wedge, with the tip facing downward. The base of os metatarsale IV is close to a cube in shape. At the base of os metatarsale V, on the lateral side, there is a tuberosity, tuberositas ossis metatarsalis V, to which the tendon of the short peroneal muscle is attached.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 metatarsal bones.

The bones of the metatarsus and tarsus do not lie in the same plane, but form longitudinal arches, convex upward. As a result, the foot rests on the ground only with some points of its lower surface: behind the fulcrum is the calcaneal tubercle, in front - the heads of the metatarsal bones. The phalanges of the fingers only touch the support area. According to the bones of the metatarsus, there are five longitudinal arches of the foot. Of these, the arches do not touch the support plane under load on the foot, I-III arches, therefore, they are spring; IV and V - adjacent to the support area, they are called support. In connection with different forms and the convexity of the longitudinal vaults, the lateral edge of the foot (IV-V vaults) descends to the support area, the medial edge (I-III vaults) has a pronounced arched shape.

In addition to the longitudinal vaults, there are two transverse vaults (tarsal and metatarsal), located in the frontal plane, convex upward. The tarsal vault is in the area of ​​the tarsal bones; metatarsal - in the area of ​​the heads of the metatarsal bones. Moreover, in the metatarsal vault, the support planes touch the heads of only the first and fifth metatarsal bones.

The arches of the foot provide a shock-absorbing function during static loads and walking, as well as prevent compression of soft tissues during movement and create favorable conditions for normal blood circulation.

Phalanges of toes... The skeleton of the toes is similar to the skeleton of the fingers of the hand, that is, it consists of phalanges, phalanges digitorum pedis, the number, shape and names of which are the same as on the hand (I toe, hallux, also has only two phalanges). The phalanges of the first toe are thicker; in the rest of the fingers their sizes are much smaller, especially the short phalanges in the fourth and fifth fingers. In the little finger, the middle and distal (nail) phalanges often grow together. The body of the proximal phalanges is much thinner in comparison with the middle and distal ones, and is close to a cylinder in shape.

On the foot, as well as on the hand, there are sesamoid bones. They are located permanently in the metatarsophalangeal joints of the thumb and little finger, and in the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. In addition to the named sesamoid bones, there are also unstable bones in the tendons of m. peroneus longus et m. tibialis posterior.

FOOT BONE CONNECTIONS

All joints of the bones of the foot, articulationes ossa pedis, can be divided into four groups:

1) the articulation between the bones of the foot and lower leg - articulatio talocruralis;

2) the joints between the bones of the tarsus - articulationes subtalaris, talocalcaneonavicularis, calcaneocuboidea, cuneonavicularis, intertarseae;

3) the joints between the bones of the tarsus and metatarsus - articulationes tarsometatarseae;

4) joints between the bones of the fingers - articulationes metatarsophalangeae and interphalangeae.

ANKLE JOINT. The ankle joint, articulatio talocruralis (supratar joint), is formed by both bones of the lower leg and the talus. Its articular surfaces are: a fork-shaped glenoid fossa formed by fades articularis inferior tibiae, fades articularis malleoli medialis (on the tibia), fades articularis malleoli lateralis (on the fibula). The articular head is represented by a block of the talus with its articular surfaces: facies superior, facies malleolaris medialis and facies malleolaris lateralis.

The capsule of the joint is attached along the edge of the articular cartilage and only in front departs from it (on the tibia, about 0.5 cm, on the talus, by almost 1 cm). It is free in front and behind. The capsule is stretched from the sides and reinforced with strong ligaments. Ligaments that strengthen the joint are located on its lateral surfaces.

The medial (deltoid) ligament, ligamentum mediale, includes four parts: the tibial-navicular part, pars tibionavicular, the anterior and posterior tibial-talus parts, partes tibiotalares anterior et posterior, and the tibial-calcaneal part, pars tibiocalcanea.

On the lateral side, the joint capsule is reinforced with three ligaments. The anterior talofibular ligament, ligamentum talofibulare anterius, runs almost horizontally from the anterior edge of the malleolus lateralis to the anterior edge of the lateral platform of the talus. The calcaneofibular ligament, ligamentum calcaneofibulare, starts from the outer surface of the malleolus lateralis, goes down and back to the lateral side of the calcaneus. The posterior talofibular ligament, ligamentum talofibulare posterius, connects the posterior edge of the malleolus lateralis with the posterior process of the talus.

The ankle joint is typical block-shaped in shape. In it, movements around the frontal axis are possible: plantar flexion; extension (dorsiflexion). Due to the fact that the talus block at the rear is narrower, lateral swinging movements are possible with maximum plantar flexion. Movements in the ankle joint are combined with movements in the subtalar and talocalcaneal-navicular joints.

BONE CONNECTIONS ARE PRELIMINARY. The joints of the tarsal bones are represented by the following joints: subtalar, talocalcaneonavicular, calcaneal-cuboid, wedge-navicular.

The subtalar joint, articulatio subtalaris, is formed by the articulation of the posterior calcaneal articular surface, facies articularis calcanea posterior, on the talus and the posterior talar articular surface, facies articularis talaris posterior, on the calcaneus. The joint is cylindrical, movements are possible in it only around the sagittal axis.

The talocalcaneonavicular joint, articulatio talocalcaneonaviculars, has a spherical shape. The articular head and cavity are distinguished in it. The articular head is represented by the scaphoid articular surface, fades articularis navicularis, and the anterior calcaneal articular surface, fades articularis calcanea anterior, which are located on the talus. The articular cavity is formed by the posterior articular surface, facies articularis posterior, scaphoid and anterior talar articular surface, facies articularis talaris anterior, calcaneus. The articular capsule is attached along the edges of the articular surfaces.

Subtalar, talocalcaneonavicular, calcaneal-cuboid, wedge-navicular, tarsometatarsal joints.

The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament, ligamentum calcaneonaviculare plantare, strengthens the joint capsule from below. In the place where the ligament comes into contact with the head of the talus, in its thickness there is a layer of fibrous cartilage, which is involved in the formation of the glenoid cavity. When it is stretched, the head of the talus is lowered and the foot is flattened. On the dorsal surface, the joint is strengthened by the talonavicular ligament, ligamentum talonavicular. This ligament connects the dorsum of the talus neck and the scaphoid. On the sides, the joint is strengthened by the lateral talocalcaneal ligament, ligamentum talocalcaneum laterale, and the medial talocalcaneal ligament, ligamentum talocalcaneum mediale. The lateral talocalcaneal ligament is located at the entrance to the sinus tarsi in the form of a wide ribbon, has an oblique direction of fibers and goes from the lower and outer surfaces of the neck of the talus to the upper surface of the calcaneus. The medial talocalcaneal ligament is narrow, directed from the tuberculum posterius tali to the posterior edge of the sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus. The tarsal sinus, sinus tarsi, is filled with a very strong interosseous talocalcaneal ligament, ligamentum talocalcaneum interosseum.

Despite the fact that the talocalcaneonavicular joint is spherical in the shape of the articular surfaces, movement in it occurs only around an axis that passes through the medial part of the head of the talus to the lateral surface of the calcaneus (somewhat lower and posterior to the place of attachment of the ligamentum calcaneofibulare). This axis also serves as an axis for the articulatio subtalaris. Therefore, both joints function as a combined talo-tarsal joint, articulatio talotarsalis. In this case, the talus remains motionless, and together with the calcaneus and scaphoid bones, the entire foot moves.

When the foot rotates outward, the medial edge of the foot (supinatio) rises and at the same time it is brought (adductio). When the foot rotates inward (pronatio), the medial edge of the foot descends and the lateral edge rises. In this case, the foot is retracted.

Thus, during foot movements, extension (extensio, or flexio dorsalis) is combined with supination and adduction (supinatio, adductio); flexion of the foot (flexio plantaris) can be combined with both pronation and abduction (pronatio, abductio) and supination and adduction (supinatio, adductio). In a child (especially in the first year of life), the foot is in a supinated position, therefore, when walking, the child places the foot on its lateral edge.

The ankle joint (supratar joint), subtalar and talocalcaneonavicular joints (articulatio talotarsalis) can function independently. In the first, flexion and extension prevail, in the other two - supination and pronation. But this rarely happens, usually they function together, forming, as it were, one joint - the joint of the foot, articulatio pedis, in which the talus plays the role of a bone disc.

The heel-cuboid joint, articulatio calcaneocuboidea, is formed by articular surfaces: facies articularis cuboidea calcanei and fades articularis posterior ossis cuboidei.

The articular surfaces are saddle-shaped. From the medial side, the articular capsule is thick, strong and tightly stretched, from the lateral side it is thin and free. The capsule is reinforced with ligaments, which are especially developed from the plantar side. The most durable of these is the long plantar ligament, ligamentum plantare longum. This ligament starts from the bottom roughness of the calcaneus and consists of several layers. Its deep tufts attach to the tuberositas ossis cuboidei; the superficial bundles are the longest, spread over the sulcus tendineus T. peronei longi (turning the groove into a canal in which the T. peroneus longus is located) and attach to the bases of ossa metatarsalia II-V.

Deeper than the long plantar ligament is the plantar calcaneo-cuboid ligament, ligamentum calcaneocuboideum plantare, consisting of short fibers that lie directly on the joint capsule and connect the areas of the plantar surfaces of the calcaneus and cuboid bones.

The calcaneal-cuboid joint is saddle-shaped in shape, but functions as a uniaxial rotational joint, combined with the talocalcaneal-navicular and sub-talus joints.

From a surgical point of view, articulatio calcaneocuboidea and articulatio talonavicularis (part of the articulatio talocalcaneonaviculars) are considered as one joint - the transverse joint of the tarsus articulatio tarsi transversa (Choparov joint). The articular surfaces of these joints have a weakly expressed S-shaped shape, that is, they are located almost on one transversely oriented line. Along this line, you can isolate the foot. In this case, it is necessary to dissect a special bifurcated ligament, the ligamentum bifurcatum (the key of the Choparov joint), which holds the calcaneus, scaphoid and cuboid bones relative to each other. Ligamentum bifurcatum (bifurcated ligament) begins at the upper edge of the calcaneus and is divided into two ligaments: calcaneonavicular, ligamentum calcaneonaviculare, and calcaneo-cuboid, ligamentum calcaneocuboideum. The calcaneonavicular ligament is attached to the postero-lateral edge of the os naviculare, and the calcaneal-cuboid ligament is attached to the dorsum of the cuboid bone.

The wedge-shaped joint, articulatio cuneonavicularis, is formed by the facies articularis anterior ossis navicularis and the posterior articular surfaces ossa cuneiformia I-III, as well as the lateral articular areas of the sphenoid, cuboid and scaphoid bones facing each other. The joint cavity looks like a frontal gap, from which one process moves back (between the scaphoid and cuboid bones), and three - forward (between the three cuneiform bones and the cuboid). The joint is flat, the joint capsule is attached along the edges of the articular surfaces. The joint cavity constantly communicates with the articulatio tarsometatarsea II through the gap between the ossa cuneiformia mediale et intermedium. The joint is strengthened by the dorsal and plantar wedge-shaped ligaments, ligamenta cuneonavicularia plantaria et dorsalia, interosseous intercuneiform ligaments, ligamenta intercuneiformia interossea, dorsal and plantar intercuneiform ligaments, ligamenta intercuneiformia dorsalia etplantaria. The interosseous ligaments can only be seen on a horizontal cut of the foot or on an exposed joint when the articulating bones are pushed apart. The joint is typically flat, with little movement between the bones.

PREPOSITAL JOINTS. The joints between the tarsal and metatarsal bones (articulationes tarsometatarseae) are flat joints (only in the articulation of the first metatarsal bone there are weakly expressed saddle surfaces). There are three of these joints: the first is between os cuneiforme mediale and os metatarsale I; the second - between ossa cuneiformia intermedium et laterale and ossa metatarsalia II et III (the cavity of this joint communicates with the articulatio cuneonavicularis); the third is between os cuboideum and ossa metatarsalia IV et V.

All three joints from a surgical point of view are combined into one joint - the Lisfranc joint, which is also used to isolate the distal part of the foot. Joint capsules are reinforced with dorsal and plantar tarsometatarsal ligaments, ligamenta tarsometatarsea dorsalia et plantaria.

Between the sphenoid and metatarsal bones, there are also three interosseous sphenoid-metatarsal ligaments, ligamenta cuneometatarsea interossea. The medial interosseous sphenoid-metatarsal ligament, which is stretched between the medial sphenoid bone and the second metatarsal bone, is the key of the Lisfranc joint. The tarsometatarsal joints are flat in shape, inactive.

The intermetatarsal joints, articulationes intermetatarseae, are formed by the surfaces of the metatarsal bones facing each other. Their capsules are reinforced with the dorsal and plantar metatarsal ligaments, ligamenta metatarsea dorsalia et plantaria. There are also interosseous metatarsal ligaments, ligamenta metatarsea interossea.

On the foot, as well as on the hand, it is possible to distinguish a solid base, that is, a complex of bones that are connected to each other almost motionlessly (movements are minimal here). The firm base of the foot includes large quantity bones (10): os naviculare; ossa cuneiformia mediale, intermedium, laterale; os cuboideum; ossa metatarsalia I, II, III, IV, V, which is associated with the difference in the functions of the foot and hand.

The metatarsophalangeal joints, articulationes metatarsophalangeae, are formed by the heads of the metatarsal bones and the fossa of the bases of the proximal phalanges. The articular surfaces of the ossa metatarsalia II-V heads have an irregular spherical shape: the plantar part of the articular surface is significantly flattened. The articular fossa of the phalanges are oval in shape. The capsule of the joints is free, attached at the edge of the articular cartilage; on the back, it is very thin. From the lateral and medial sides, the joints are supported by collateral ligaments, ligamenta collateralia. On the plantar side, the joints are reinforced with plantar ligaments, ligamenta plantaria (these ligaments sometimes contain the inclusion of fibrous cartilage and sesamoid bones). Here is the deep transverse metatarsal ligament, ligamentum metatarseum transversum profundum. It is a fibrous cord, which is located transversely between the heads of the I-V metatarsal bones and grows together with the capsules of the metatarsophalangeal joints, connecting the heads of all metatarsal bones. This ligament plays an important role in the formation of the transverse metatarsal arch of the foot.

Articulatio metatarsophalangea I differs in some peculiarities: two sesamoid bones are permanently enclosed in the plantar part of the capsule of this joint, which correspond to two grooves on the articular surface of the head of os metatarsale I. Therefore, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the thumb functions as a block. It carries out flexion and extension around the frontal axis. The joints of the other four fingers function as ellipsoidal. In them, flexion and extension around the frontal axis, abduction and adduction around the sagittal axis are possible, and in a small volume - a circular motion.

FINGER BONES CONNECTIONS. Interphalangeal joints, articulationes interphalangeae, are similar in shape and function to those of the hand. They belong to the block joints. They are strengthened by collateral ligaments, ligamenta collateralia, and plantar ligaments, ligamenta plantaria. In the normal state, the proximal phalanges are in dorsiflexion, and the middle ones are in plantar flexion.

A person's feet are a part of the body, thanks to which a person moves, maintains balance, and with the help of the foot, the body can resist while performing many movements. The evolutionary process has made the structure of the foot complex, due to which modern man can walk upright.

The foot consists of 26 bones that are connected by ligaments and joints. There are also many muscles and tendons there. In anatomy, three parts of the foot are distinguished, they will be discussed below.

Foot bones

As known, human foot resembles hands, here departments are similar in structure, but they are called differently.

The feet have:

1. Tarsal bones. This part of the foot consists of seven bones - the calcaneus and the talus, are large, the rest are wedge-shaped, club-shaped and scaphoid. The talus is located in the area between the bones of the lower leg, is part of the ankle.
2. Metatarsus - the middle section of the foot. Made up of five tube-shaped bones, they go to the beginning of the toes. At the end of these bones is the surface of the joints, which helps to move the fingers. Also, this group of bones ensures the correct level of the fornix.
3. The end of the foot is the phalanges of the fingers (rib formation), the presence of joints between them makes them mobile. This part contains 14 bones. The thumb has two bones, and the others have 3 in each toe. Due to this part, a person can keep the balance of the body, perform simple movements. However, many cases have been noticed when, as a result of the loss of hands, a person supports his life with the help of his toes.

The bones are connected by joints. The correct structure of the ankle and foot bones is ensured by nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles and joints.

The location of the bones

As you know, bones are an important element responsible for the structure. They need to be considered in more detail.

The largest bone is the calcaneus, it is located in the back of the foot and it carries a lot of stress, this bone partly contributes to the flexibility of both arches. The bone is not part of the ankle, but it helps to distribute the pressure. It is shaped like a three-dimensional rectangle with a long axis.

In the front part there are joints that are needed for the strongest possible connection of the heel and, due to which, the normal shape of the foot is ensured. At the back of the bone there is a small protrusion on which the Achilles tendon is attached. The person steps down on the ground with the downside.

Also in the front there is a tubercle for connecting to the joint. The entire surface is covered with protrusions and depressions for the attachment of nerves, blood vessels, muscles and ligaments.

Slightly smaller is the talus, which enters the ankle. Almost all of it is covered with cartilage, and what is most interesting is that nothing but ligaments is attached to it. The bone has five surfaces covered with a thin layer of hyaline cartilage.

It consists of a body, head and neck:

• body - is part of the ankle, connects to the foot through ligaments and joints;
• the head is in front of the bone, which has an articular surface. The head provides a strong connection to the boat.
• the neck is the thin part located between the head and the body.

Cuboid. Located on the outside of the foot, behind the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Outwardly, it looks like a cube, which gave it its name.

Scaphoid. Its peculiarity is that it is located on the foot itself and through the joints it is brought together with the talus, forming.

Sphenoid bones. There are three such bones on the human foot, they are small in size and are close to each other (in costal order). Behind them is the scaphoid bone, and in front of them are the metatarsal bones.

The structure and function of the metatarsal bones are the same in both adult and childhood. Anatomical view - tubular with an angled bend. This bend forms the arches of the feet. There are bumps on the surface for attaching ligaments, muscles and joints.

The bones of the phalanges of the fingers are identical to those on the hands, differ only in size. There are two phalanges on the big toe, the other four toes each have three.

Due to the stress on the feet, the phalanges of the big toe are thick, while the rest are thin and short. Between themselves, they are connected by joints, thanks to which a person can bend and unbend his fingers.

Joint structure

There are many joints in the feet, due to which several bones are brought together at the same time. In terms of size, the ankle joint is considered the largest, it connects three large bones at once. Thanks to this connection, a person can raise and lower the foot, as well as rotate it. All other joints are smaller, but they perform the same function, which together makes the foot flexible and mobile.

The ankle joint consists of a large talus and two smaller tibia bones. The latter have ankles that fix the talus. Strong ligaments are located along the edges, and the joint itself is attached to the cartilage, which covers the surface of the bone.

An important component is the subtalar (transverse) joint, consisting of a sedentary joint and performing the function of the fornix of the ram and the calcaneus. It connects three bones - the scaphoid, calcaneus and talus; ligaments are also involved in the connection process, contributing to a more dense fixation.

The cuboid and heel bones are connected by the joint of the same name. Together with the subtalar, they form an education of a practical type. This compound is sometimes referred to as the "Greek Trench" and is known in medicine as "."

With regard to surgical practice, the joints that are located on the scaphoid and sphenoid bones... But the metatarsal and are connected by joints of a sedentary type, they are surrounded by elastic ligaments and are part of the transverse and longitudinal arches of the foot. The intermetatarsal joints are located costally in the space between the metatarsal bones.

One of the most important are the joints, which are called metatarsophalangeal joints, they are involved in almost every step or movement of the body when walking.

Ligaments of the foot

The most important of all is the longitudinal (or long) plantar ligament. The ligament extends from the calcaneus to the beginning of the metatarsal bones. It has many branches that perform the function of strengthening and fixing the longitudinal and transverse vaults, and also supports them in normal condition throughout life. But, as you know, a violation of the arches of the feet may indicate flat feet, the treatment of which sometimes takes more than one year, especially when it comes to an adult.

The rest, smaller ligaments, also fix and strengthen the bones and joints of the foot, which helps a person maintain body balance and withstand dynamic and static loads during long walking or running.

Any movement of the feet is possible only with the help of the work of the muscles that are in the area of ​​the foot, ankle and lower leg. It is important that the muscles of the lower leg help to make many movements of the feet, both when walking and in an upright position.

Calf muscles

In the front part is the extensor longus muscle group, the tibial muscle. A person uses them when performing dorsal extension or flexion of the feet. Thanks to these muscles, a person can extend and flex the fingers.

The outer or lateral group includes the short and long peroneal muscles. With their help, it is possible to perform pronation, as well as lateral flexion of the foot.

The back is distinguished by massive muscle groups, consisting of many layers. They carry a huge daily load. This includes the triceps muscle, which consists of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. In this area is the long-type flexor of the fingers, as well as part of the tibial muscle. These muscle groups allow the flexion of the sole using the Achilles tendon. They also participate in the process of extension and flexion of the fingers.

The dorsal muscle group, there is a short type of finger extensor. It originates from the heel and is responsible for locomotor activity four fingers, but does not control the thumb.

The sole of the foot contains several small muscles responsible for adduction, abduction and flexion of the toes.

Vessels and nerves

The posterior and anterior tibial arteries are responsible for the flow of blood into the feet of a person. On the foot itself, these arteries continue with the external internal and dorsal arteries located on the plantar part. They also form a small number of arterial joints and circles. And in the event of injury of varying severity, when one of the circles is damaged, the rest will be able to ensure normal blood flow to the feet.

As for the outflow of blood, it is carried out by the veins of the same name, which are located on the back side. These veins form the binder. Thanks to them, blood enters the small and large saphenous veins located in the lower leg.

Nerve impulses from the central nervous system are transmitted along the gastrocnemius, deep peroneal, superficial and posterior tibial nerves. Thanks to nervous innervation, a person feels movement in space, vibration, pain, touch, distinguishes between cold and warm. All nerve impulses are processed in the spinal cord.

These same nerves provide signal transmission from the brain to muscle groups. Such impulses are called reflexes, which are involuntary and voluntary. As for the latter, this is observed when there is a contraction of muscle tissue, which does not always depend on the will of a person. The reason for this phenomenon may be the work of the sweat and sebaceous glands, an increase or decrease in the tone of the vascular walls.

The top layer is skin covering... The skin on the feet differs depending on the area of ​​the foot. On the sole itself, it has a high density, but in the heel area it is thicker. The skin has the same structure as on the palms, however, as a result of high loads, it begins to layered with age. In the dorsal region, the skin is quite smooth and elastic, there are nerve endings.

So, based on everything that has been said above, it becomes clear that nature has made sure that the feet can withstand enormous pressure. The formation of the foot is rarely influenced by a person's nationality or the conditions in which he lives.

If at least one of the elements of the foot is injured, a hyperkeratotic form of mycosis of the feet, deforming osteoarthritis, flat feet, heel spur and other serious diseases may develop.

The human foot is the most important part of the musculoskeletal system. It functions like an elastic vault. It is a person who is considered the only organism in the world that has a vaulted foot structure. This anatomy of the foot is due to upright posture. As soon as a person, with the course of evolution, began to walk on two legs, the foot needed to perform new functional tasks, due to which the structure of this part of the lower limbs is vaulted.

The foot and its joints very often suffer from many negative mechanical factors. Among them:

• excessive stress on the joints;
• injuries, fractures, sprains;
• metabolic disorders in the body;
• flaw nutrients in the body;
• work in heavy production and work on feet;
• freezing of the feet and more.

The most common symptoms of foot disease are as follows:

• pain syndrome;
• swelling of tissues;
• feeling of stiffness.

To cope with the disease as effectively as possible and identify its cause, it is worth understanding the anatomical structure of the foot.

Foot anatomy

The human foot has 3 main components: bones, ligaments, and muscles. Each of these elements has a number of critical functions. This allows you to keep the musculoskeletal system in good working order. If the integrity of one of the structures is violated, dysfunction of the entire articulation is observed.

The human foot has a rather complex bone structure. The joint comprises three sections, namely:

• The tarsus is the leading part of the foot, which has 7 main bones in its structure - the calcaneus, ram, wedge-shaped, cuboid, scaphoid.
• The metatarsus is the middle section, consisting of 5 leading bones, shaped like a tube and leading to the beginning of the location of the phalanges of the fingers. At the ends of these bones there is an articular surface. This ensures the mobility of the bones. It is this part of the foot that contributes to the correct arch of the feet.
• Fingers - this section contains 14 bones. Due to the correct functioning of the phalanges of the fingers, a person is able to maintain balance and evenly distribute body weight. The human thumb consists of 2 bones, the rest of the fingers have 3 bones in their structure in the standard version.

Bones play an extremely important role in the structure of the skeleton of the foot and its joints. Special attention should be paid to their location and main functions:

• The largest bone in the foot is the heel bone. She takes on the maximum load and is responsible for the distribution of balance. It is located at the back of the foot. This bone does not belong to the ankle, but due to its work, the correct distribution of weight and pressure occurs.
• The talus is smaller. It is covered with cartilage and at the same time enters the ankle part of the joint. Responsible for the functioning of the ligamentous apparatus. The bone itself has as many as 5 articular surfaces. All of them are covered with hyaline cartilage, which greatly reduces the friction process.
• The cuboid bone is located on the back of the foot. In appearance, it resembles a geometric figure - a cube, which allows it to be quickly distinguished from other bones.
• The scaphoid is responsible for the arch of the foot. The element is located on the very body of the foot, reducing in parallel with the talus.
• The sphenoid bones are as close to each other as possible, providing maximum mobility. There are 3 such bones in total. Directly behind them is the scaphoid, and in front of them - the metatarsals.

It is worth noting that the structure and functioning of the metatarsal bones in a person at any age is the same. The original view is a tubular shape with a characteristic angular bend. It is he who forms the arch of the foot.

The anatomy of the human feet is not limited to joints, bones, and ligaments. The full structure of the ankle is ensured due to the proper functioning of blood vessels, nerve fibers and muscles.

The joints provide mobility to the feet. The following varieties are distinguished:

• Ankle - formed with the shin and talus. The ankle is presented in the form of a block. Ligaments are located along its edges, and the joint is attached to the cartilage. Due to the mobility of this joint, a person is able to freely perform any rotational movements.
• Subtalar - represented by a sedentary connection located in the back compartment. It performs the work of the calcaneus and talus bones.
• Talocalcaneonavicular - all 3 bones are a universal joint with a specific axis of rotation. Around this axis, rotational movements are made inward and outward.
• The tarsometatarsal joints are small joints that have a specific flat shape. They have extremely limited and poor mobility. Due to the presence of multiple ligaments in the tarsal bone, the rest of the bones are actually motionlessly connected to each other. This helps to form a firm base of the foot.
• Metatarsophalangeal - sedentary joints with a streamlined spherical shape. Responsible for the fold-unbend of the fingers.
• Interphalangeal - laterally secured by ligaments, which helps to ensure optimal fixation and immobility of the joint.

If we consider all the parts and components of the articulation of the foot, then the ankle joint is considered the largest, since it connects 3 bones at once. Also, it is this joint that takes on the greatest load. As for the other joints, they are smaller. Additionally, they provide the foot with flexibility and mobility.

Structure

The skeleton of the foot and joints is considered defective without muscle work. The main active and actively working muscles are located in the ankle, foot, lower leg. Taken together, the work of all muscles allows a person to complete movements.

• Calf muscles - In front of the lower leg is the tibial muscle, which is responsible for flexion and extension of the feet. Thanks to the correct work of these muscles, a person is able to perform extensor movements with his fingers. This section also includes the following types of muscles: short and long peroneal. They take on the job of doing lateral flexion of the foot. The back of the lower leg is responsible for the flexion of the sole. The triceps, gastrocnemius, soleus muscles are involved here. It is this part that is subjected to daily serious stress.
• The muscles of the foot are the dorsal muscle group that is responsible for the extension of the small toes (all four small toes except the thumb). Additionally, several small muscles are located on the sole of the foot. They are responsible for abduction, adduction and full flexion of the toes.

The human foot has 3 main functions:

• Supporting. This function is attributed to the ability to freely resist and inhibit reaction when making vertical loads. When walking, this function is jogging. This task of the foot is the most difficult, since it simultaneously uses both purposes - balancing and springing. With the deterioration of this function, a person begins to suffer from pain in the ankle when running or jumping.
• Leaf springs. It is aimed at smoothing jerks when performing physical actions (running, jumping, walking). With a low level of the arches of the foot, a person may suffer from diseases of the lower extremities and spine. Internal organs can also be injured.
• Balancing. It is aimed at adjusting the postures of the human body during movement. A healthy foot can flatten and cover the underlying surface, thereby giving the person the opportunity to feel the area where the foot is placed.

All functions of the foot interact with each other during active physical activity. If one of the functions is violated, the remaining two are automatically violated.

Diseases of the feet

There are several main ailments of the feet and joints:

• arthrosis - a chronic disease of the joints, leading to deformity and low mobility;
• arthritis - inflammation in the joint;
• gout is a tissue and joint disease that develops against the background of metabolic failure;
• flat feet is a disease suggesting a person has a flat foot that does not have a characteristic notch.

Diagnostics is necessary when the patient begins to feel any unpleasant symptoms in the form of pain, stiffness or tissue swelling. A diagnosis is made only on the basis of clinical signs and a picture obtained during X-ray examination... This is the minimum diagnostic basis necessary to identify the problem.

To find out a more complete picture of the disease, the doctor may prescribe a number of tests. This will help to identify the inflammatory process, which may be a sign of the most various ailments... The following instrumental studies can also be assigned:

• CT of the joints. This allows you to determine the condition of the tissues, to identify anatomical structure foot and its features, pathology, as well as trauma. The doctor can get a complete picture of what the foot looks like thanks to the layered images that the tomograph gives.
• MRI of the joints. With help this study the doctor can determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the tissues, as well as identify the first signs of such serious diseases as osteoarthritis, gout and much more.

Other diagnostic methods, if the patient has undergone CT or MRI, are not prescribed as unnecessary.

To prevent the development of diseases of the feet and joints, patients must observe preventive measures recommended by the doctor.

• If you feel pain or fatigue in your foot, you need to rest.
• Warming up the feet is necessary before each excessive effort and upcoming load.
• It is useful to walk barefoot on the grass, the main thing is to choose the safest places.
• Comfortable footwear is also a prerequisite for healthy feet. The risk of disease is significantly increased when wearing heels and non-stable stilettos.
• Keep your feet warm. Frequent freezing of the feet can lead to arthritis and other ailments.
• Almost all doctors recommend walking more, regardless of their specialization. The ideal solution would be not only to go out for walks, but also occasionally go swimming, cycling or skiing.
• Nutrition is the basis of the health of the whole organism. It is important to eat properly and fully as a preventive measure against foot diseases.

It is much easier to follow some preventive rules than treating foot diseases. Keeping your feet healthy from a young age will allow you to enjoy life and stay mobile until later in life.