GeneralUnderstand Foot and Ankle Anatomy

It is not unusual for people to suffer foot and ankle injuries, which is why it is important for everyone to understand the basics of foot and able anatomy from the foot and ankle institute. That way, if someone suffers a serious injury, they will have an easier time figuring out what might be wrong and what the potential treatments are. Take a look at a few important points regarding foot and ankle anatomy below, and do not hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help you if you are concerned that you have suffered an injury.

The Ankle Joint Is a Hinge Joint

First, let’s start from the top and work our way down. The ankle is a hinge joint. What this means is that it is capable of moving back and forth and from side to side. It is made up of three separate bones that come together. They include the tibia, which is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg, the fibula, which is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, and the talus, which is the main bone of the foot. There are several ligaments and tendons that come together to provide the ankle with its mobility.

The Foot Is Made Up of Numerous Small Bones

The foot is a network of numerous smaller bones. The talus is the biggest of the foot bones, but the calcaneus is the bone that makes up the hill. Then, there are several metatarsals, which connect to the toes in the body of the foot. The phalanges are the bones that make up the toes, and there are several phalanges that come together to create each of the five toes on a single foot. The vast majority of people have an arch in their foot that absorbs the shock while walking or running, but there are some people who do not have an arch at all. They are said to have flat feet, and they might need orthotics to prevent them from developing pain in their feet, ankles, and knees.

Potential Injuries

Finally, it is also important to take a look at a few potential injuries that someone may suffer involving the ankle or the foot. For example, someone may suffer a sprained ankle, which takes place when the ankle rolls too far to either the inside or the outside. It is far more common for someone to roll the ankle too far to the outside, causing that ball on the side of the leg to strike the ground. This can lead to significant pain and discomfort that impairs someone’s mobility.

It is also possible for someone to suffer from plantar fasciitis. This takes place when the fascia on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This can cause significant pain in the heel, particularly when waking up in the morning, but the pain tends to dissipate during the course of the day. It is important for anyone who has suffered an injury involving the foot or the ankle to reach out to a medical professional as quickly as possible.

This is a sponsored post