Welcome to Orleans Physiotherapy's patient resource about from foot injuries and surgery. The following is an article on foot anatomy. Please see the left hand menu for specific information on ankle injuries.
Our feet are constantly under stress. It's no wonder that 80 percent of us will have some sort of problem with our feet at some time or another. Many things affect the condition of our feet: activity level, occupation, other health conditions, and perhaps most importantly, shoes. Many of the problems that arise in the foot are directly related to shoes, so it is very important to choose shoes that are good for your feet.
The foot is an incredibly complex mechanism. This introduction to the anatomy of the foot will not be exhaustive but rather highlight the structures that relate to conditions and surgical procedures of the foot.
This guide will help you understand:
what parts make up the foot
how the foot works
Hear from some of our Foot Therapy patients
“
Jagrutiban at Orleans Physio is very knowledgable about chronic foot/ankle related issues. She's currently treating me for a haglund deformity and plantar fasciitis on my heel into my achilles with... ”
“ Jagrutiban at Orleans Physio is very knowledgable about chronic foot/ankle related issues. She's currently treating me for a haglund deformity and plantar fasciitis on my heel into my achilles with shockwave therapy and in 3 sessions I have had great improvement when nothing else would relieve my pain. ”
“
I have always appreciated the professionalism of Clint Dulude and the team of assistants at the "Orleans Physiotherapy" clinic. However, my experience was really improved with the use of acupuncture... ”
“ I have always appreciated the professionalism of Clint Dulude and the team of assistants at the "Orleans Physiotherapy" clinic. However, my experience was really improved with the use of acupuncture to manage pain after treatment and, in my case, to allow a faster recovery. Another remarkable technique that I would like to mention was the “Shock Wave Therapy” treatment used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis. The result was immediate and... lasting. Three years later, I saw Clint again following a car accident for chest pain. Not only have the treatments and exercises helped to stop this pain, but they have also helped to address a problem of nocturnal sternum pain that had bothered me for many years: I am extremely grateful to Clint for my new quality of sleep. It is therefore without hesitation that I recommend the services of Clint Dulude! ”
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Came to Orleans physiotherapy a few months ago after having really bad achilles tendonitis. I was barely able to walk a km. Their website caught my attention with all the info. I had to try it out as... ”
“ Came to Orleans physiotherapy a few months ago after having really bad achilles tendonitis. I was barely able to walk a km. Their website caught my attention with all the info. I had to try it out as my previous physiotherapist had moved to the west end. I felt welcomed by the staff. Jag, my physiotherapist is awesome A+. I was sceptical trying a new therapist but Jag put those doubts to rest after our first session. I received massages, acupuncture, stretching techniques, exercices to do at home, laser therapy and more. I’m now back to running 20k+ and on schedule to race my 5th Ironman triathlon in August. Staff is really knowledgable , professional and flexible. Clinic is very clean and inviting. Clinic has a big parking lot and it’s free. I would recommend Jag to anybody looking for a high quality physiotherapist that knows their stuff and is caring about your fast recovery. ”
“
I had a nagging achilles injury from baseball all summer that wasn't healing properly and developed a noticeable, painful bulge on my ankle. Within 3 visits Celine was able to make the bulge... ”
“ I had a nagging achilles injury from baseball all summer that wasn't healing properly and developed a noticeable, painful bulge on my ankle. Within 3 visits Celine was able to make the bulge completely disappear and now I'm back to running pain free. Very impressed by their service and would highly recommend. ”
“
I can’t stress enough just how amazing Clint Dulude is as a human and a Physiotherapist. I went to him with legitimate, seriously painful conditions I didn’t know existed until they happened to... ”
“ I can’t stress enough just how amazing Clint Dulude is as a human and a Physiotherapist. I went to him with legitimate, seriously painful conditions I didn’t know existed until they happened to me. He 100% cured my patella-femoral in both knees and my tennis elbow in both arms in a totally reasonable amount of sessions (they don’t try to “upsell”you trying to make you come back more often) and the experience is just pleasant. Great staff, great tools and technology and more importantly - it works. Back there for plantar fasciitis treatment and have no doubt the shockwave treatment will work for me. ”
“
I have been seeing Jag for my achilles tendonitis recently. She is so helpful, very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk with. She was able to diagnose and explain what is happening to me with ease.... ”
“ I have been seeing Jag for my achilles tendonitis recently. She is so helpful, very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk with. She was able to diagnose and explain what is happening to me with ease. She uses a variety of techniques to help the healing process, and also gives me lots if different exercises to do at home. I developed this condition after a severe injury to my heel last summer, which i delayed getting treatment for. Jag is definitely giving me hope that my tendonitis will fully heal, I am even able to do full daily workouts again - yay!!! I highly recommend Jag - I referred both my husband and daughter to her already! :) ”
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Clifton was quick to call after leaving a message. He was helpful with an ankle problem and called me back the next day with some additional treatment ideas. Thanks very much Clifton (Terry) ”
“ Clifton was quick to call after leaving a message. He was helpful with an ankle problem and called me back the next day with some additional treatment ideas. Thanks very much Clifton (Terry) ”
“
I have always appreciated the professionalism of Clint Dulude and the team of assistants at the "Orleans Physiotherapy" clinic. However, my experience was really improved with the use of acupuncture... ”
“ I have always appreciated the professionalism of Clint Dulude and the team of assistants at the "Orleans Physiotherapy" clinic. However, my experience was really improved with the use of acupuncture to manage pain after treatment and allow, in my case, a faster recovery. Another remarkable technique that I would like to mention was the “Shock Wave Therapy” treatment used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis. The result was immediate and... lasting. ”
“
I've bee seeing Clint for several years now for a variety of injuries and have been pleased with treatment every time. Whether it was a short course of treatment for a broken ankle to a more... ”
“ I've bee seeing Clint for several years now for a variety of injuries and have been pleased with treatment every time. Whether it was a short course of treatment for a broken ankle to a more persistent hip issue, he's been patient and thorough everytime. Highly recommend him and the Orleans clinic for any physio needs. ”
“
(Translated by Google) I have always appreciated the professionalism of Clint Dulude and the team of assistants at the "Orleans Physiotherapy" clinic. However, my experience was really improved with... ”
“ (Translated by Google) I have always appreciated the professionalism of Clint Dulude and the team of assistants at the "Orleans Physiotherapy" clinic. However, my experience was really improved with the use of acupuncture to manage pain after treatment and allow, in my case, a faster recovery. Another remarkable technique that I would like to mention was the “Shock Wave Therapy” treatment used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis. The result was immediate and... lasting. (Original) J’ai toujours apprécié le professionnalisme de Clint Dulude et de l’équipe d’assistants de la clinique "Orleans Physiotherapy". Cependant, mon expérience fut vraiment améliorée avec l’utilisation de l’acupuncture pour gérer la douleur après traitement et permettre, dans mon cas, une récupération plus rapide. Une autre technique remarquable que j’aimerais mentionner fut le traitement par « Shock Wave Therapy » utilisé pour traiter une fasciite plantaire chronique. Le résultat fut immédiat et... durable. ”
“
I have been going to the Orleans Physiotherapy for more than 10 years. They have treated my shoulder, elbow, wrist, back, knee, ankle etc, almost every part of my body! Clint is amazing, very... ”
“ I have been going to the Orleans Physiotherapy for more than 10 years. They have treated my shoulder, elbow, wrist, back, knee, ankle etc, almost every part of my body! Clint is amazing, very knowledgeable and professional. My experience with Orleans Physiotherapy started with Clifton. I have also worked with Celine occasionally. I must say they are all excellent! So are all the staffs in the office. I got my husband and my son go to Orleans Physiotherapy when they needed physio treatment. Now my husband goes more often than I do. I have also recommended my friends gong there. Thank you everybody in the Orleans Physiotherapy! Highly recommended. ”
“
I have known Clifton Chari, since 2000 and he has not changed and I mean this to be a compliment. He is still the same caring and determined to help person as from the first time he had to take care... ”
“ I have known Clifton Chari, since 2000 and he has not changed and I mean this to be a compliment. He is still the same caring and determined to help person as from the first time he had to take care of my problems. I have had many health issues that required physiotherapy due to either post ops or for curing or to prevent an operation. In 2000 he took care of my Achilles tendon after a severe operation. In 2007 he followed up after my rotator cuff operation and successfully by his dedication made that operation a success with his treatments and personal care. He is perhaps the most sincere, dedicated, caring person in the medical field. I say this from experience. I have been going to him for the past year and a half for a severe lower lumbar and leg pain. Mr. Charie put his personal attention to help me on each visit I cannot express or convey how sincere he is, he does not look at the clock and I know he gave me more time than any other Physiotherapist would. He loves a challenge and my case is so acute, the opportunity was there and he was always so resilient and did what he could in earnest. Mr. Charie also has a wonderful sense of humour and is one who would not give up in trying to help. My case is serious and because of my visits to him, I am able to put up with this problem. Only once in the last 18 years was I given a reference to try another physiotherapist in Orleans by an Urgent Care Doctor. I was naive and did not know that I did not have to go according to the urgent care referral. In some ways those two visits to the other physiotherapy establishment was a good experience as it reinforced my conviction that Clifton Charie, his team and infrastructure was the most personable and caring. They all work as a team from the reception to the assistant to Mr. Charie who has a compassionate heart. Mr. Charie you are a kindhearted care provider and I thank you for tolerating my sensitivity to pain. I would recommend this team to anyone looking for sincere help. The staff are amazing. I mean everything I said. I am grateful for the kindhearted care you always provided and for making the treatment bearable. I just wanted to express my profound gratitude to you Clifton for taking good care of me and for your patience and understanding, Mr. Charie and I apologize if I made it difficult for you. Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. — Henry Ward Beecher Albert Nassrallah Tuesday, September 4, 2018 ”
The important structures of the foot can be divided into several categories. These include:
bones and joints
ligaments and tendons
muscles
nerves
blood vessels
Bones and Joints
The skeleton of the foot begins with the talus, or ankle bone, that forms part of the ankle joint. The two bones of the lower leg, the large tibia and the smaller fibula, come together at the ankle joint to form a very stable structure known as a mortise and tenon joint.
Mortise and Tenon
The mortise and tenon structure is well known to carpenters and craftsmen who use this joint in the construction of everything from furniture to large buildings. The arrangement is very stable.
The two bones that make up the back part of the foot (sometimes referred to as the hindfoot) are the talus and the calcaneus, or heelbone. The talus is connected to the calcaneus at the subtalar joint.
Hindfoot
The ankle joint allows the foot to bend up and down. The subtalar joint allows the foot to rock from side to side.
Joint Bends Up and Down
Foot Rocks Side to Side
Just down the foot from the ankle is a set of five bones called tarsal bones that work together as a group. These bones are unique in the way they fit together. There are multiple joints between the tarsal bones. When the foot is twisted in one direction by the muscles of the foot and leg, these bones lock together and form a very rigid structure. When they are twisted in the opposite direction, they become unlocked and allow the foot to conform to whatever surface the foot is contacting.
The tarsal bones are connected to the five long bones of the foot called the metatarsals. The two groups of bones are fairly rigidly connected, without much movement at the joints.
Finally, there are the bones of the toes, the phalanges. The joints between the metatarsals and the first phalanx is called the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP). These joints form the ball of the foot, and movement in these joints is very important for a normal walking pattern.
Not much motion occurs at the joints between the bones of the toes. The big toe, or hallux, is the most important toe for walking, and the first MTP joint is a common area for problems in the foot.
Ligaments and Tendons
Ligaments are the soft tissues that attach bones to bones. Ligaments are very similar to tendons. The difference is that tendons attach muscles to bones. Both of these structures are made up of small fibers of a material called collagen. The collagen fibers are bundled together to form a rope-like structure. Ligaments and tendons come in many different sizes, and like rope, are made up of many smaller fibers. The thicker the ligament (or tendon) the stronger the ligament (or tendon) is.
Collagen
The large Achilles tendon is the most important tendon for walking, running, and jumping. It attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone to allow us to raise up on our toes. The posterior tibial tendon attaches one of the smaller muscles of the calf to the underside of the foot. This tendon helps support the arch and allows us to turn the foot inward. The toes have tendons attached that bend the toes down (on the bottom of the toes) and straighten the toes (on the top of the toes). The anterior tibial tendon allows us to raise the foot. Two tendons run behind the outer bump of the ankle (called the lateral malleolus) and help turn the foot outward.
Many small ligaments hold the bones of the foot together. Most of these ligaments form part of the joint capsule around each of the joints of the foot. A joint capsule is a watertight sac that forms around all joints. It is made up of the ligaments around the joint and the soft tissues between the ligaments that fill in the gaps and form the sac.
Muscles
Most of the motion of the foot is caused by the stronger muscles in the lower leg whose tendons connect in the foot. Contraction of the muscles in the leg is the main way that we move our feet to stand, walk, run, and jump.
There are numerous small muscles in the foot. While these muscles are not nearly as important as the small muscles in the hand, they do affect the way that the toes work. Damage to some of these muscles can cause problems.
Most of the muscles of the foot are arranged in layers on the sole of the foot (the plantar surface). There they connect to and move the toes as well as provide padding underneath the sole of the foot.
Foot Muscles
Nerves
The main nerve to the foot, the tibial nerve, enters the sole of the foot by running behind the inside bump on the ankle, the medial malleolus.
Tibial Nerve
This nerve supplies sensation to the toes and sole of the foot and controls the muscles of the sole of the foot. Several other nerves run into the foot on the outside of the foot and down the top of the foot. These nerves primarily provide sensation to different areas on the top and outside edge of the foot.
Other Nerves
Blood Vessels
The main blood supply to the foot, the posterior tibial artery, runs right beside the nerve of the same name. Other less important arteries enter the foot from other directions.
Posterior Tibial Artery
One of these arteries is the dorsalis pedis that runs down the top of the foot. You can feel your pulse where this artery runs in the middle of the top of the foot.
tendon attaches one of the smaller muscles of the calf to the underside of the foot. This tendon helps support the arch and allows us to turn the foot inward. The toes have tendons attached that bend the toes down (on the bottom of the toes) and straighten the toes (on the top of the toes). The anterior tibial tendon allows us to raise the foot. Two tendons run behind the outer bump of the ankle (called the lateral malleolus) and help turn the foot outward.
