Feet
Feet' are the lower extremity of the leg below the ankle, on which a person stands or walks. They are essential components of the human body that play a crucial role in balance, movement, and support. Each foot is made up of 26 bones, which are divided into three sections: the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hindfoot. These bones are connected by joints and surrounded by muscles, tendons, and ligaments that facilitate movement and provide stability.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The structure of the foot can be divided into three main parts:
- Forefoot: This includes the five toes (phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals). The largest toe is known as the hallux or big toe.
- Midfoot: This is a pyramid-like collection of bones that form the arches of the feet. These bones include the three cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone, and the navicular bone.
- Hindfoot: This area is made up of the heel (calcaneus) and the ankle (talus). The hindfoot connects the foot to the lower leg (tibia and fibula) at the ankle joint.
Function[edit | edit source]
Feet serve several vital functions, including:
- Support: They bear the weight of the body in standing, walking, and running.
- Balance: The feet help to maintain balance by adjusting the body's position.
- Movement: The complex structure of the foot allows for a wide range of movements, including walking, running, and jumping.
Common Conditions[edit | edit source]
Feet are susceptible to various conditions due to their complex structure and the amount of stress placed on them. Some common conditions include:
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot.
- Bunions: Bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe.
- Athlete's foot: A fungal infection that usually begins between the toes.
- Ingrown toenails: A condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the flesh.
- Flat feet (pes planus): A condition in which the arches of the feet are flattened, allowing the entire sole to touch the floor when standing.
Care and Maintenance[edit | edit source]
Proper care and maintenance of the feet are essential for preventing injuries and conditions. This includes:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support.
- Keeping the feet clean and dry to prevent infections.
- Regularly trimming toenails to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Performing exercises to strengthen the feet and improve flexibility.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD