Broken Foot

Black Widow vs. Brown Recluse Slideshow

Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• What is the structure of the foot?
• What are the causes of a broken foot?
• What are the symptoms of a broken foot?
• When should I call the doctor for foot pain?
• How is a broken foot diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for a broken foot?
• What are the complications of a broken foot?
• Can a broken foot be prevented?
• Broken Foot At A Glance

What is the structure of the foot?

The foot is designed to withstand the considerable forces placed on it by walking, running, and jumping. The 26 bones of the foot are connected by joints and supported by thickened ligaments to absorb the impact of movement. As well, the joints of the foot are acted upon by tendons that allow flexing and extending to permit walking and running to occur.

The bony anatomy can be described as follows:

• The talus articulates with the tibia (shin bone) to form the ankle joint.
  
  
• The calcaneus or the heel bone is attached by ligaments to the tibia to provide stability to the ankle joint.
  
  
• The midfoot consists of the navicular, the cuboid, and the three cuneiform bones. The midfoot is where inversion and supination of the foot occurs. These motions allow the sole of the foot to turn inwards and upwards.
  
  
• The five metatarsal bones are connected to each toe.
  
  
• The toe bones are called phalanges (single = phalanx) with the great toe having two and the other four toes having three each. These bones are named based upon their relationship to the body: proximal, middle and distal. Proximal means closest to the center of the body while distal is furthest from the center.
  
  
• The arch of the foot is maintained by the plantar fascia, a thick fibrous band of tissue that runs from the calcaneus to the metatarsal, preventing the bones of the foot from flattening.
  
  
• Injuries to the foot include fractures of the bone, sprains of the ligaments that stabilize the joints, and strains of the muscles and tendons that move the foot.

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