Understanding The Anatomy of the Bones of the Foot Understanding The Anatomy of the Bones of the Foot Authored by Hindfoot & Tarsal Bones Over 25 percent of our bones are located in our feet. There are twenty-six bones that make up the complex structure of each foot. The foot is a strong mechanism, and it supports our entire body weight during all upright activities (standing, walking, running, etc). It remains flexible, durable, and resilient under enormous pressure. Structurally, the foot consists of three main parts: the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. Anatomically, the bones of the foot are known as the tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. Let’s break down each category and discuss the importance of each bone. Forefoot: Phalanges and Metatarsal Bones The forefoot comprises fourteen phalanges and five metatarsal bones. One phalanx of each of the five toes connects to one of the five metatarsals. The toes are numbered one through five, starting with the big toe, which is technically known as the hallux.

Some people like to call the fifth toe the “pinky.” The phalanges are referred to as follows: The proximal phalanx is the base of each toe and articulates the metatarsal bone and middle phalanx. The middle phalanx is located under the distal phalanx in the second, third, fourth and fifth toes only. The hallux does not have a middle phalanx. The distal phalanx is found at the end of each toe, forming the tip of the toes. There are five metatarsals in each foot. The metatarsals are the long bones located between the tarsal bones and the phalanges. Each metatarsal has a long shaft with two expanded ends called the base and the head. They form part of the foot’s arch and serve both as a major shock absorber and a weight-transfer mechanism. They are connected to the forefoot and midfoot by muscles, tendons, and a special ligament known as the plantar fascia. The metatarsals are not named individually; rather, they are numbered first through fifth, starting with the big toe.

Here is a quick description of each of the metatarsal bones: The first metatarsal bone is the shortest and thickest. The second metatarsal bone is the longest and is firmly held between the first and third cuneiform bones. This bone is most susceptible to injury. The third metatarsal bone is in the middle and articulates the third cuneiform, as well as the second and fourth metatarsal bones. The fourth metatarsal bone is smaller than the third, but like the third it also articulates the surrounding metatarsals (the third and fifth), and also articulates the cuboid. The fifth metatarsal bone articulates the cuboid and the fourth metatarsal. Jones fractures and stress fractures are common injuries to this bone. There are also two tiny bones located under the hallux (big toe) called sesamoid bones. Sesamoid bones develop within the tendon of a muscle to protect the tendon from wear and tear at the point where it passes over the end of the metatarsal bone. They bear the weight of the body when the toe pushes off in walking or running.

Though it is less common, sesamoid bones can be found elsewhere in the foot within other flexor tendons of the toes. Midfoot: Lesser Tarsal Bones The five bones that make up the midfoot are collectively known as the lesser tarsal bones. They act as an intermediary to transfer weight from the hindfoot to the forefoot with each footstep. These bones, along with the joints and ligaments that connect them, make up most of what we would consider the arch of the foot. They include: The navicular bone is boat-shaped and located in the middle of the foot. It articulates with the talus and the three cuneiform bones. The cuboid bone is shaped like a cube and is the last of the seven tarsal bones, articulating with the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, calcaneus, and navicular bones. There are three cuneiform bones in all: medial, intermediate, and lateral. They are located in the midfoot region, articulating with the corresponding metatarsal bones and navicular bone.

Hindfoot: Greater Tarsal bones The hindfoot connects the foot to the leg at the ankle joint, and comprises two large bones called the talus and calcaneus. These bones articulate with each other through the subtalar joint, and also link the hindfoot to the midfoot through the mid-tarsal joint. Here is a brief description of each of the tarsal bones: The talus connects the hindfoot to the two leg bones (the tibia and fibula) to form the ankle joint, which acts as a hinge to allow the foot to move up and down. It also links the hindfoot to the midfoot through the navicular bone to form one part of the mid-tarsal joint. From below, the talus meets up with the calcaneus to form the subtalar joint, which allows the foot to move from side to side. The calcaneus is also known as the heel bone, and it is the largest bone in the foot. It connects with the talus from above to form the subtalar joint. It also meets up with the cuboid bone to form the rest of the midtarsal joint.

This joint allows some motion between the hindfoot and midfoot that gives the foot some flexibility Medical References: H.F. Fullmann "Atlas of Anatomy" (Tandem Verlag GmbH, 2009) 100-101 Professor P. Abrahams "A Complete Guide to How the Body Works, The Atlas of the Human Body" (Amber Books, 2009) 222-224 Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 21 edition (F.A. Davis Company, 2005) 893 This page was last updated on October 2nd, 2015 How To Maintain & Improve Your Foot Health A Complete Guide To The Anatomy Of The Foot Bones of the Foot - Tarsals - Metatarsals - Phalanges - TeachMeAnatomy The human foot is a very complex and highly developed structure. The bones of the foot provide mechanical support for the soft tissues, helping the foot withstand the weight of the body. The bones of the foot can be divided into three categories: Tarsals – A set of seven irregularly shaped bones. They are situated proximally in the foot, in the ankle area.

Metatarsals – These bones connect the phalanges to the tarsals. There are five in number – one for each digit. Phalanges – The bones of the toes. Each toe has three phalanges – a proximal, intermediate and distal (except the big toe, which only has two phalanges). Fig 1.0 – Overview of the bones of the human foot. Tarsals The tarsal bones of the foot are organised into three rows; proximal, intermediate and distal. Proximal Group The proximal tarsal bones are the talus and the calcaneus. They form the bony framework around the proximal ankle and heel area. The talus is the most superior of the tarsal bones. It has three articulations: Superiorly: Ankle joint – between the talus and the bones of the leg (the tibia and fibula). Inferiorly: Subtalar joint – between the talus and calcaneus. Anteriorly: Talonavicular joint – between the talus and the navicular. The main function of the talus is to transmit forces from the tibia to the heel bone (known as the calcaneus).

Whilst numerous ligaments attach to the talus, it is not a site of muscle attachment or origin. Fig 1.1 – The tarsal bones of the foot. The calcaneus lies underneath the talus, and has two articulations: Superiorly: Subtalar joint – between the calcaneus and the talus. Anteriorly: Calcaneocuboid joint – between the calcaneus and the cuboid. It is thick and sturdy, acting to transmit forces from the talus to the ground. The posterior aspect of the calcaneus is marked by calcaneal tuberosity, to which the Achilles tendon attaches. Intermediate Group The intermediate row of tarsal bones contains one bone, the navicular (given its name because it is shaped like a boat). It articulates with the talus posteriorly, the cuneiform bones anteriorly, and the cuboid bone laterally. On the plantar surface of the navicular, there is a tuberosity for the attachment of the tibialis posterior tendon. Distal Group In the distal row, there are four tarsal bones – the cuboid and the three cuneiforms. These bones articulate with the metatarsals of the foot.

The cuboid is the most lateral bone in the distal row, articulating with the calcaneus posteriorly, and two metatarsals anteriorly. As the name suggests, it is shaped like a cube. The inferior surface of the cuboid is marked by a groove for the fibularis longus muscle. The three cuneiforms (lateral, intermediate and medial) are wedge shaped bones. They articulate with the navicular posteriorly, and the metatarsals anteriorly. The shape of the bones helps form a transverse arch across the foot. Clinical Relevance: Fractures of the Talus and Calcaneus The talus and the calcaneus sit in the proximal part of the foot and ankle, and are involved in transmitting forces from the body to the ground. They are the most frequently fractured of all the tarsal bones. Talus Talar fractures occur in two places – the neck of the talus, or the body: Neck fractures are caused by excessive dorsiflexion of the foot. The neck of the talus is pushed against the tibia. In this type of fracture, the blood supply to the talus may be disturbed, leading to avascular necrosis of the bone.

Body fractures usually occur from jumping from a height. In any fracture of the talus, the malleoli of the leg bones act to hold the fragments together, so there is little displacement of the fracture pieces. By Jojo (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Fig 1.2 – X-ray of a calcaneal fracture. Calcaneus The calcaneus is often fractured in a ‘crush‘ type injury. The most common mechanism of damage is falling onto the heel from a height – the talus is driven into the calcaneus. The bone can break into several pieces – known as a comminuted fracture. Upon x-ray, the calcaneus will appear shorter and wider. Even after treatment, a calcaneal fracture can cause further problems. The sub-talar joint is usually disrupted, causing the joint to become arthritic. The patient will experience pain upon inversion and eversion – which can make walking on uneven ground particularly painful. Metatarsals The metatarsals are located in the midfoot, between the tarsals and phalanges. They are numbered I-V (medial to lateral). Each metatarsal has a similar structure.

They consist of a distal head and proximal base, which are joined by a shaft of bone. They have three or four articulations: Proximally: Tarsometatarsal joint – between the metatarsal bases and the cuneiforms or cuboid bones. Laterally: Intermetatarsal joint(s) – between the metatarsal and the adjacent metatarsals. Distally: Metatarsophalangeal joint – between the metatarsal head and the proximal phalanx. Clinical Relevance: Fractures of the Metatarsal Bones Metatarsal fractures can occur by three mechanisms. The most common method of fracture is a direct blow to the foot – usually from a heavy object dropping onto the foot. Another type of metatarsal injury is a stress fracture, an incomplete fracture caused by repeated stress to the bone. It is common in athletes, and occurs most frequently to metatarsals II, III and IV. The metatarsals can also be fractured by excessive inversion of the foot. If the foot is violently inverted, the fibularis brevis muscle can avulse (‘tear off’) the base of metatarsal V. Phalanges The phalanges are the bones of the toes.

Most toes have three phalanges – proximal, intermediate and distal. The great toe only has proximal and distal phalanges. Each phalanx consists of a body, a proximal extremity and a distal extremity. Image Partager l'image Voici le code HTML déjà fait, pour voir cette image sur votre site web : <a href=""><img src="" border="1" alt="Bones of the foot"></a><p><a href="">Bones of the foot</a> - <a href="">Visual Dictionary</a> - Copyright © 2005-2016 - All rights reserved. Voici le code UBB déjà fait, pour voir cette image sur votre Forum : [img] [url= - [url= Dictionary[/url] - Copyright © 2005-2016 - All rights reserved. Bones of the foot (dorsal view): five-toed organ at the end of a human leg that supports the body and is used for walking. Great toe: the largest of the digits of the foot, situated on its inner edge. 2nd toe: digit of the foot between the big toe and the third toe.

3rd toe: middle digit of the foot. 4th toe: digit of the foot between the third toe and the little toe. Little toe: the smallest of the digits of the foot, situated on its outer edge. Distal phalanx: bone at the end of a toe. Middle phalanx: small central bone of a toe. Proximal phalanx: the small bone of a toe closest to the foot. Phalanges of the toes: jointed segments of a toe. Metatarsal bones: parts of the skeleton of a foot between the tarsus and the toes. Tarsal bones: te back of the skeleton of a foot. Tarsometatarsal joint (TM): flexible joint connecting the tarsal and the metatarsal bones. Metatarsophalangeal joint (MT): flexible joint connecting the metatarsal bone and the phalange. Interphalangeal joint: joint between the first and second phalanges. Interphalangeal joint (IP): joint between the second and third phalanges. Metatarsal Fractures. Broken metatarsal bones | Patient 770 The five metatarsal bones are the long bones of the midfoot.

A metatarsal fracture occurs when one of these long bones is broken. This may be due to sudden injury (an acute fracture), or due to repeated stress (stress fracture). Stress fractures often affect athletes and sportsmen, but can affect any runners, even those who only run a little. In acute fractures you may hear a sound at the time of the break, and experience pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. (It's not true that if you can walk on it it's not broken.) Stress fractures have similar symptoms, although there is usually no bruising. Treatment depends on the type and site of the fracture. Some anatomy of your foot The foot is a complicated part of the body, made up of multiple bones, muscles, tendons and soft tissues. Your feet have to bear the weight of your body when you stand and move, and to make constant balancing adjustments to allow you not to fall over as you do so. There are 26 bones in your foot: Fourteen toe bones (phalanges): three each for the small toes and two for the big toe. Five long metatarsal bones, named from the first (connected to the big toe) to the fifth.

Seven tarsal bones which make up the back part of the foot (hindfoot) and heel (calcaneum). Each metatarsal bone has a base (nearest to the heel), a shaft (the straight part of the bone), a neck and a head. The fifth metatarsal differs slightly as it also has a bulge (tuberosity) at its base. The bones, ligaments and tendons of your foot form arches, one lengthways and one across the foot. These arches are called the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot. It is your foot arches that allow your foot to hold up the weight of your body. When the foot is healthy and the arches are as they should be, your wet footprint is not a footprint of the whole of the underside of your foot, as they hold a part of the foot off the ground. Types of metatarsal fracture The metatarsal bones are some of the most commonly broken (fractured) bones in the foot. There are two main types of metatarsal fracture: Acute fracture - due to a sudden (acute) injury to the foot (typically dropping a heavy object on to the foot, a fall, or a sporting injury).

Stress fracture - due to overuse or repetitive injury to a normal metatarsal bone. Metatarsal fractures occur much more easily if the metatarsal bones are weakened due to 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis). See separate leaflet called Osteoporosis for more detail . Fractures may also in general be: Open or closed: an open fracture is one where the skin is broken over the fracture so that there is a route of possible infection from the outside into the broken bones. This is obviously a more serious type of fracture, with damage to the soft tissues around the ankle making treatment and healing more complicated, and it needs specialist assessment. Displaced or not displaced: a displaced fracture is one where, following the break, the bones have slipped out of line. A displaced fracture also needs specialist care, as the bones will need to be properly lined up and stabilised. This may involve an anaesthetic and some kind of metal pinning or plating to the bones. Acute metatarsal fractures Acute metatarsal breaks (fractures) can be displaced or non-displaced. They may be open or closed. Open metatarsal fractures are normally caused by severe trauma such as a road accident.

The fifth metatarsal bone is the most common metatarsal bone to be fractured in sudden (acute) injury to the foot. It may be broken at various points along its length, depending on the mechanism of injury. The other metatarsal bones can also be broken. The first, second and fifth metatarsals are the most commonly injured in sport. Several English footballers have had metatarsal fractures in recent years. Related discussions Start a discussion What causes acute metatarsal fractures? Acute metatarsal fractures can be caused by direct injury to the foot. This may happen, for example, through someone stepping on or kicking the foot, by dropping something on to the foot or by falling on to the foot. Twisting of the foot or the ankle can also cause fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal. In this injury, the twisting mechanism pulls on a strong ligament that attaches to the base of the fifth metatarsal which then pulls off a fragment of bone. The shaft of the metatarsal is commonly injured because of twisting of the foot on landing from a jump. This is a common problem in ballet dancers. What are the symptoms of an acute metatarsal fracture?

You may hear a sound at the time of the break, and will usually have immediate pain and tenderness around the area of the fracture. The pain is often called 'pinpoint pain' as it is quite well localised at the site of impact to the bone. Broken bones bleed, so bruising and swelling can develop and you may have difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Movement of your foot may also be limited. Surprisingly, however, pain can settle within a few hours. Do I need any investigations? How are acute metatarsal fractures treated? This depends on: Which metatarsal bone is broken Which part of the metatarsal bone is broken. How severe the damage is. It also depends on: Whether the fractured bone is displaced or non-displaced (see above). Whether the tissues of the foot around the break are also badly injured causing the fracture to be an open fracture. The basic principles of treating metatarsal fractures These are: Simple painkillers : such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen which may help to relieve pain. Ice : applying ice to your foot can also be helpful as pain relief.

Ice should be applied as soon as possible after injury, for 10-30 minutes. (Less than 10 minutes has little effect. More than 30 minutes may damage the skin.) Make an ice pack by wrapping ice cubes in a plastic bag or towel, or by using a bag of frozen peas. Do not put ice directly next to skin, as it may cause ice burn. Gently press the ice pack on to the injured part. The cold is thought to reduce blood flow to the damaged ligament. This may limit pain, inflammation and bruising. Some doctors recommend re-applying for 15 minutes every two hours (during daytime) for the first 48-72 hours. Do not leave ice on while asleep. Elevation: this initially aims to limit and reduce any swelling. For example, keep the foot up on a chair to at least hip level when you are sitting. When you are in bed, put your foot on a pillow. Rest: sometimes rest is the only treatment that is needed, even in traumatic fracture. Avoiding the offending activity: this is true of all metatarsal fractures but is particularly true in the case of stress fractures. This is because these result from repetitive overuse.

It is important to remove all stress from the foot to allow it to heal. This may mean using crutches or even a wheelchair. Immobilisation: some fractures just need support to help healing. For example, a supportive Tubigrip®-type dressing with a supportive, rigid shoe or boot. Progressive weight-bearing on the foot can then follow as pain allows. Other fractures may need treatment with a below-the-knee plaster cast. Surgery: occasionally, surgery may be necessary - for example, to re-align any part of the bone that has moved out of position. Follow-up care: physical therapy and a gradual return to exercise are a part of good follow-up care. Acute metatarsal fractures generally take around six to eight weeks to heal. However, it may be longer than this before a sportsperson is fully back in action. Metatarsal stress (march) fractures What is a metatarsal stress fracture? A metatarsal stress fracture is a hairline break in a bone, caused by repetitive stress. Stress fractures tend to occur as a result of overuse and are known as overuse injuries. Metatarsal stress fractures have been called march fractures because they were seen in soldiers who marched for long periods of time.

What causes a metatarsal stress fracture? Metatarsal stress fractures generally occur due to repeated stress to the bone, which is also termed overuse. They most commonly affect the second and third metatarsal bones, as these bones have the most amount of stress placed on them when you are moving. They are common in runners who: Suddenly increase their running mileage or intensity. Run in poor footwear that doesn't suit their feet.* Have just changed their running shoes and not 'broken them in' carefully. Continue to exercise despite having foot pain. They are also frequently seen in ballet dancers and gymnasts. Abnormalities of the structure of the foot, and abnormalities of the bones and joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis), can make stress fractures more likely. Stress fractures can also occur in people who have lost nerve sensation in their feet due to neurological problems - for example, diabetes that has affected the feet. *People's choices and needs for running shoes vary. However, before choosing something unusual such as barefoot shoes or corrective shoes, make sure you have some advice. For example, for barefoot running you need to be taught the right technique.

Break in new running shoes gradually - many injuries result from a sudden change in running shoes. What are the symptoms of a metatarsal stress fracture? At the beginning, there may just be pain in the foot during exercise that is relieved by rest. After a while, the pain may not be relieved on resting and may become continuous. Pain tends to be more widespread and diffuse in the foot at first. As the stress fracture progresses, it tends to become more localised to the area of the fracture. Typically the stress fracture then causes a tender area along the line of the second or third metatarsal bone. There may be some swelling but typically there is no bruising. Do I need any investigations? Your doctor may suggest an X-ray of your foot if they suspect a metatarsal stress fracture. However, not all stress fractures show up on X-rays, particularly early on. Half of them never show up on a normal X-ray. Metatarsal stress fractures can usually be seen by using a bone scan to look at your foot . This bone scan involves an injection of a very small amount of radioactive material, usually into a vein in your arm. A gamma camera is then used that can detect the radiation emitted by the injected material.

This can show up a stress fracture. MRI scanning is also sometimes used. How are metatarsal stress fractures treated? The principles of treatment are the same as for acute metatarsal fractures (see above). The most important treatment is to rest your foot. This means avoiding any exercise or activity that may have caused your stress fracture. Lifting (elevating) the foot can help to relieve pain. Special shoes are available to help to immobilise the fracture and support the foot so that you are able to walk. If pain is severe, your doctor may suggest a below-the-knee plaster cast until the fracture has healed. Surgery for metatarsal stress fractures is rarely needed. Its purpose would be to pin the bones to stop the fracture displacing, but this would be very unusual in the case of metatarsal stress fracture. When can I return to activity? Stress fractures normally heal without any complications and, in time, people are able to return to their previous activities fully. You can return to your activities when you can perform them without pain. This will typically take six to twelve weeks. When you do start exercising again, you should gradually build up your activity levels.

A sudden return to high-intensity exercise after a break may cause a repeat or a new stress fracture, or other injury. Can stress fractures be prevented? There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent stress fractures. Exercise intensity and duration should be built up slowly and gradually. Rest and recovery time needs to be built in to any training schedule. Footwear should be well fitting and suit your running style. If changing - eg, from supportive training shoes to barefoot running shoes - you should be shown how to adapt your style. You should practise this gradually. You should be aware of the symptoms of stress fractures, and should not continue to run on a painful foot. If stress fractures are recognised and treated quickly, this can reduce the amount of time that you need to stay away from activities. Complications If properly treated then metatarsal fractures should settle down without long-term consequences. If not recognised and treated then problems can occur: A fracture of the first metatarsal bone can lead to later arthritis of the big toe joint. A fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone is often mistaken for an ankle sprain. This would usually result in it not being rested or supported enough. This could lead to problems in healing and continuing pain.

The consequences of not treating broken bones well can also include: The bone not healing 'straight (permanent deformity). The two ends of the bones not healing together at all (non-union). Both of these may cause ongoing pain and limitation of use, and may lead to later arthritis. Metatarsal Fracture | Singapore Sports & Orthopaedics Clinic 3) Bunion A third category of painful foot problem is a mechanical disorder of non-traumatic. One such problem is the bunion. Bone at the base of the big toe began to swell as the toes of the other foot deviates outward. This makes it very difficult to fit regular shoes and cause painful walking. Surgical treatment is often with a bunionectomy. Other abnormalities include finger deformation hammer, claw legs, and feet flat. Treatment often special shoes, although sometimes surgery is an option. 4) Diabetes and Peripheral arterial disease A fourth category is visible problems with leg circulation disorders such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. The main manifestations are leg ulcers which are very difficult to cure. The foot ulcer can enlarge or go progressively deeper, or it can lead to gangrene and amputation.

Also abnormal sensory nerve function in diabetes, so the sensation of normal foot weight-bearing disrupted, and damage ensues recognized. Peripheral artery disease is treated either with vasodilating drugs, or obstruction stenting or bypass surgery to restore normal blood flow. Diabetic foot ulcers treated with careful control of blood sugar, debridement of the wound area, and maximal blood flow recovery. 5) Fungal Nail, Athlete’s Foot The fifth category is the other foot conditions such as those affecting the nails and skin. Athlete’s foot is a common condition that is caused by a fungus that grows on the skin between the toes. Because shoed feet moist, dark, and warm, ideal conditions for mold growth are created. It is usually treated with an antifungal cream or solution, along with an antifungal powder to dry feet. The same condition is true for nails, however, the fungus can be present for many years and require several weeks of oral antifungal treatment. The purpose of this article is to provide an outline of common foot disorders. The key message is to take care of foot problems when they arise in a timely manner so that they do not become worse.

You wheel your feet, and if they do not work as they should, you are punished. Be sure to discuss foot problems you may be having with your doctor. This is especially true if your foot problems associated with chronic medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or peripheral arterial disease. Need Consultation? Please contact us by calling (65) 64762106 or Schedule an Appointment here on our website. Our professional orthopaedic specialist, Dr. Kevin Yip , has more than 20 years experience. Be assured that you will be receiving professional treatments that suit your needs. Consultations are covered by most insurance. Related Articles: 11 Common Foot Problems 11 Foot Problems are as follow: PLANTAR FASCIITIS . When there is increased stress on the arch, microscopic tears can occur in the plantar fascia, usually at the attachment to the heel. This causes inflammation and pain with standing and walking and sometimes at rest. It usually causes pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. BUNION / HALLUX VALGUS . Bunion enlargement on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe (hallux).

This enlargement consists of bursa (fluid filled sac) under the skin. The bunion term is also often used to describe abnormalities (bone) called structural hallux valgus abducto (HAV). Bunions can be painful and can be aggravated by activity and wearing tight shoes. MORTON NEUROMA . At the foot neuroma, neuroma is a nerve that becomes irritated and swollen. If the nerves still upset, it can become thickened which makes greater nerve and cause further irritation. Pain from a neuroma is usually felt on the ball of your foot. CORN or CALLOUSES. Corn Callouses and callouses are thick and hard skin areas. This disorder usually develops due to rubbing or irritation more prominent boney. Skin, thick hard corn is called if it is on your feet and are called heartless if elsewhere on your feet. NAIL FUNGUS (ONYCHOMYCOSIS) . Nail fungus (onychomycosis) Fungi as a warm humid and dark (as in shoe). Fungal infection of the toenails may cause the nails to become discolored, thickened, brittle or loose. There are different causes and is difficult to treat because the nail violence.

INGROWN TOENAIL (IGTN) . Ingrown toenail grows into the nail (onychocryptosis) An ingrown toenail can occur due to various reasons. The sides or corners of the nails usually curve down and put pressure on the skin. Sometimes the nail penetrates the skin and then continue to grow into the skin. It can cause redness, swelling, pain and sometimes infection. HAMMER TOES . A hammer toe is also sometimes referred to as a claw toe or hammer toe. It involves a toe deformity in which there is an imbalance in the pull of the tendon. Whether the tendons in the toes to pull harder or tendons in the lower leg to pull harder. This results in a curled toes. PLANTAR WARTS . Plantar Warts (plantar verucca) plantar warts are caused by a virus. Means the plantar foot, but the warts can occur elsewhere in the feet and toes as well. Plantar warts can be painful depending on where they are located. Sometimes they are mistaken for callouses because layers of hard skin can build on top of the wart. FLAT FEET .

Flat feet (pes planus) Just because you have flat feet does not mean you will have problems or pain. If you have pain, there are various treatment options available. If you only have one leg that has a flat arch, probably because of other problems and you should get it checked out. ATHLETES (TINEA PEDIS). Athletes (tinea pedis) water flea on foot is a common skin condition that can affect anyone, not just athletes. It is caused by a fungus. It may cause redness, itching, small bumps filled with fluid or skin peeling. It is most commonly located in between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. ACHILLES TENDONITIS . Achilles tendonitis Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon. If the tendon is still inflamed long enough, it can cause thickening of the tendon. Sometimes nodules or lumps can form in the tendon. Achilles tendonitis can be a long term problem or could lead to rupture of the tendon. Need Consultation? Please contact us by calling (65) 64762106 or Schedule an Appointment here on our website. Our professional orthopedic foot specialist, Dr.

Kevin Yip , has more than 20 years experience. Be assured that you will be receiving professional treatments that suit your needs. Consultations are covered by most insurance. Related Articles: Information on Metatarsal Fractureindex October 1st, 2009 The metatarsus or metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones in the foot located between the tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the phalanges of the toes. Lacking individual names, the metatarsal bones are numbered from the medial side (side of big toe): the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal. The metatarsals are analogous to the metacarpal bones of the hand. The five metatarsals are dorsally convex long bones that are located in the fingers and/or the toes consisting of a shaft or body, a base, and a head. The body is prismoid in form, tapers gradually from the tarsal to the phalangeal extremity, and is curved longitudinally, so as to be concave below, slightly convex above.

The base or posterior extremity is wedge-shaped, articulating proximally with the tarsal bones, and by its sides with the contiguous metatarsal bones: its dorsal and plantar surfaces are rough for the attachment of ligaments. The head or anterior extremity presents a convex articular surface, oblong from above downward, and extending farther backward below than above. Its sides are flattened, and on each is a depression, surmounted by a tubercle, for ligamentous attachment. Its plantar surface is grooved antero-posteriorly for the passage of the flexor tendons, and marked on either side by an articular eminence continuous with the terminal articular surface. The base of each metatarsal bone articulates with one or more of the tarsal bones at the tarsometatarsal joints, and the head with one of the first row of phalanges at the metatarsophalangeal joints. Their bases also articulates with each others at the intermetatarsal joints The metatarsal bones are often broken by football players. These and other recent cases have been attributed to the modern lightweight design of football boots, which give less protection to the foot.

In 2010 some footballers began trialling a new sock that incorporated a rubber silicon pad over the foot to provide protection to the top of the foot. The metatarsal bone injury gained notoriety with soccer fans when the then Deportivo La Coruña midfielder Aldo Duscher made a strong tackle on David Beckham breaking his second metatarsal bone and his participation in the 2002 World Cup became doubtful. Beckham eventually made it to the England 2002 World Cup squad. Since then, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, Xabi Alonso and Michael Owen have gone down the same road alongside many others. Stress fractures are thought to account for 16% of injuries related to sports preparation, and the metatarsals are most often involved. These fractures are commonly called march fractures, as they were commonly diagnosed among military recruits after long marches. The second and third metatarsals are fixed while walking, thus these metatarsals are common sites of injury. The fifth metatarsal may be fractured if the foot is oversupinated during locomotion.

CT 3D human Foot Skin and Bone Lower extremity Information on Metatarsal Fracture | Singapore Sports & Orthopaedics Clinic Home » Blog » Information on Metatarsal Fracture Information on Metatarsal Fracture October 1st, 2009 by admin Leave a reply » Metatarsal Fracture – Effective Clinical Treatment for Foot Pain and other problems The metatarsus or metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones in the foot located between the tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the phalanges of the toes. Lacking individual names, the metatarsal bones are numbered from the medial side (side of big toe): the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal. The metatarsals are analogous to the metacarpal bones of the hand. The five metatarsals are dorsally convex long bones consisting of a shaft or body, a base, and a head. Body is prismoid in form, tapers gradually from the tarsal to the phalangeal extremity, and is curved longitudinally, so as to be concave below, slightly convex above.

The base or posterior extremity is wedge-shaped, articulating proximally with the tarsal bones, and by its sides with the contiguous metatarsal bones: its dorsal and plantar surfaces are rough for the attachment of ligaments. The head or anterior extremity presents a convex articular surface, oblong from above downward, and extending farther backward below than above. Its sides are flattened, and on each is a depression, surmounted by a tubercle, for ligamentous attachment. Its plantar surface is grooved antero-posteriorly for the passage of the flexor tendons, and marked on either side by an articular eminence continuous with the terminal articular surface. The base of each metatarsal bone articulates with one or more of the tarsal bones at the tarsometatarsal joints, and the head with one of the first row of phalanges at the metatarsophalangeal joints. Their bases also articulates with each others at the intermetatarsal joints The metatarsal bones are often broken by football players. These and other recent cases have been attributed to the modern lightweight design of football boots, which give less protection to the foot.

Stress fractures are thought to account for 16% of injuries related to sports preparation, and the metatarsals are most often involved. These fractures are commonly called march fractures, as they were commonly diagnosed among military recruits after long marches. The second and third metatarsals are fixed while walking, thus these metatarsals are common sites of injury. The fifth metatarsal may be fractured if the foot is oversupinated during locomotion. Bones and Joints of the Foot and Ankle -footEducation Bones and Joints of the Foot and Ankle Overview Regions of the foot: Hind-foot – as the name suggests, the hindfoot is the portion of the foot closest to the center of the body. It begins at the ankle joint and stops at the calcaneal-cuboid joint. Mid-foot – The midfoot begins with the calcaneal-cuboid joint, and essentially ends where the metatarsals begin. While it has several more joints than the hind-foot, it still possesses little mobility. Fore-foot – the fore-foot is composed of the metatarsals and phalanges. The bones that comprise the fore-foot are those that are last to leave the ground during walking.

Mobile Joints of the foot and ankle: Ankle joint Joints of midfoot or “Lisfranc” Joint (a.k.a. tarso-metatarsal (TMT) joints or cuneiform-metatarsal joints) Bones of the lower leg and hind-foot: Tibia, Fibula, Talus, Calcaneous. Tibia and Fibula (Long Bones) Though the tibia (commonly called the shin bone) is not a part of the foot, it plays an important role. The foot is connected to the body where the bones of the foot and ankle meet the tibia and fibula (the small bone to the outside of the tibia). The tibia is also responsible for holding up 85% of the weight that presses down on the foot in the standing position. The tibia and fibula are held together by a tough layer of connective tissue, known as the Interosseous Membrane. The membrane thickens at the lower part of the leg, in order to make the ankle more stable. These two bones connect with the talus by forming a sort of dish which the talus fits into. This dish is known as the mortise of the ankle joint.

Talus The talus is something of an odd bone because of its strange shape and the fact that 70% of this bone is covered with hyaline cartilage (joint cartilage). The talus acts as a “ball joint”, playing the critical roll of connecting the lower leg to the foot. The talus is covered by so much cartilage because it connects so many different bones. The talus holds the ankle together by connecting to the lower leg with a ball joint, connecting to the calcaneous on the underside through the subtalar joint, and by helping connect the back part of the foot (hindfoot) to the midfoot via the talo-navicular joint. These series of connections allow the foot to rotate smoothly around the talus, as when you roll your ankle in a circle. Unfortunately, the talus has relatively poor blood supply, which means that injuries to this bone take greater time to heal than might be the case with other bones. Parts of the Talus The talus is generally thought of as having three or four parts: The talar body including the “dome” of the talus The talar neck The talar head The talar body is roughly square in shape and is topped by the dome.

It connects the talus to the lower leg at the ankle joint. The talar head interacts with the navicular bone to form the talo-navicular joint. The talar neck is located between the body and head of the talus, and is remarkable because it is one of the few areas of the talus not covered with cartilage, and is one of the few places that blood can flow to in the talus. Calcaneus (The Heel Bone) The calcaneus is commonly referred to as the heel bone. The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot, and along with the talus, it makes up the area of the foot known as the hind-foot. The calcaneus is something like an oddly shaped egg; hard cortical bone on the outside covers softer cancellous bone on the inside. There are three protrusions on the top surface of the calcaneus (the posterior, middle, and anterior “facets”) that allow the talus to sit on top of the calcaneus, forming the sub-talar joint. The calcaneus also joins to another bone at the furthest end, away from the lower leg and toward the toes.

At this end, the calcaneus connects to the cuboid bone to form the calcaneal-cuboid joint. Subtalar Joint The talus rests above the calcaneous to form the subtalar joint. However, the talus does not sit directly on top of the calcaneus. Instead, it rests slightly offset toward the outside of the foot (the side nearest the little toe). This positioning allows the foot to cope with uneven terrain because it allows a little more flexibility from side to side. The subtalar joint doesn’t move independently; it moves along with the talo-navicular joint and the calcaneo-cuboid joint, two joints located near the front of the talus. Bones of the Mid-foot: Cuboid, Navicular, Cuneiform (3) Cuboid The cuboid bone is the main bone of the mid-foot. It is a square-shaped bone on the outside of the foot, and possesses several places to connect with other bones. The main joint formed with the cuboid is the calcaneo-cuboid joint. Farther along its length, the cuboid also connects with the base of the fourth and fifth metatarsals (the metatarsals of the last two toes).

On the inner side, it also connects with one of the lateral cuneiform bones. Calcaneo-cuboid Joint The calcaneal-cuboid joint attaches the heel bone to the cuboid. Navicular The navicular is located in front of the talus and connects with it through the talo-navicular joint. The navicular is curved on the surface nearest the ankle. The side farthest from the ankle joint connects to each of the three cuneiform bones. Like the talus, the navicular has a poor blood supply. On the inner side (closest to the middle of the foot), there is a piece of bone that juts out, which is called the navicular tuberosity. This is the site where the posterior tibial tendon anchors into the bone. Talonavicular Joint As the name suggests, the talo-navicular joint connects the talus to the navicular. The curve of the navicular is designed to connect smoothly with the front surface of the talus. This joint allows for the potential to have significant motion between the hindfoot and the midfoot, depending on the position the hindfoot is in.

Cuneiforms There are three different cuneiform bones present side-by-side in the midfoot. The one located on the inside of the midfoot is called the medial cuneiform. The middle cuneiform is located centrally in the midfoot, and to the outside is the lateral cuneiform. All three cuneiforms line up in a row and articulate with the navicular, forming the naviculo-cuneiform joint. The structure of the cuneiforms is similar to a roman arch. Each cuneiform connects to the others in order to form a more stable unit. These bones, along with the strong plantar and dorsal ligaments that connect to them, provide a good deal of stability for the midfoot. Bones of the Fore-foot: Metatarsals (5), Phalanges (14), Sesmoid Bones (2) Metatarsals Each foot contains five metatarsals. These are the long bones that lead to the base of each toe. The metatarsals are numbered 1-5, starting on the inside and leading outward (from big toe to smallest).

Each metatarsal is a long bone that joins with the mid-foot at its base, a joint called the tarsal-metatarsal joint, or Lisfranc joint. In general, the first three metatarsals are more rigidly held in place than the last two, although in some individuals there is increased motion associated with the 1st metatarsal where it joins the midfoot (at the 1st tarso-metatarsal joint), and this increased motion may predispose them to develop a bunion. The long part of the metatarsal bone is known as the metatarsal “shaft”, and the thick end of the bone nearest the toes is known as the metatarsal “head” (the metatarsal neck lies between the shaft and head). The head serves two very important functions: First, the metatarsal heads are the locations where weightbearing takes place. Second, the phalanges connect to the foot at the metatarsal heads at a joint called the metatarsal-phalangeal joint. These joints are very flexible, allowing the metatarsal heads to continuously support the weight of the body, as the foot moves from heel to toe.

First Metatarsal – The largest of the metatarsal, both in terms of length and width. Second Metatarsal – The fore-foot is made extremely stable not only by the ligaments connecting the bones, but also because the second metatarsal is recessed into the medial cuneiform, in comparison to the others. The second metatarsal may be overly long in some individuals, predisposing them to 2nd metatarsalgia . Fourth and Fifth Metatarsal – The fourth and fifth metatarsal may have greater range of motion than the others do. Phalanges The phalanges make up the bones of the toes. They are connected to the rest of the foot by the metatarsal-phalangeal joint. The first toe, also known as the great toe due to its relatively large size, is the only one to be comprised of only two phalanges. These are known as the proximal phalanx (closest to the ankle) and the distal phalanx (farthest from the ankle). The four “lesser toes” (toes 2-5) all have three phalanges.

The phalanx closest to the ankle is known as the proximal phalanx, which articulates with the “middle” phalanx, the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint). The middle phalanx meets the “distal” phalanx at the distal interphalangeal joint. An imbalance in the tendons pulling across these small joints of the toes will lead to deformity of the toe, such as a clawtoe. A list of the joints of the toes can be found below. Inter-Phalangeal Joint (great toe only) Proximal Inter-Phalangeal Joint (PIP joint – toes 2-5) Distal Inter-Phalangeal Joint (DIP joint -toes 2-5) Sesamoid Bones A sesamoid bone is a bone that is also part of a tendon. An easy example of such a bone is the kneecap (patella). In the foot, there are two sesamoid bones, each of which is located directly underneath the first metatarsal head. These seasmoids are part of the flexor hallucis brevis tendon.

Edited October 17, 2015 Metatarsus M Metatarsus The metatarsus or metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones in the foot located between the tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the phalanges of the toes. Lacking individual names, the metatarsal bones are numbered from the medial side (side of big toe): the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal. The metatarsals are analogous to the metacarpal bones of the hand . Common characteristics The five metatarsals are dorsally convex long bones consisting of a shaft or body, a base, and a head. body is prismoid in form, tapers gradually from the tarsal to the phalangeal extremity, and is curved longitudinally, so as to be concave below, slightly convex above. The base or posterior extremity is wedge -shaped, articulating proximally with the tarsal bones, and by its sides with the contiguous metatarsal bones: its dorsal and plantar surfaces are rough for the attachment of ligaments .

The head or anterior extremity presents a convex articular surface, oblong from above downward, and extending farther backward below than above. Its sides are flattened, and on each is a depression, surmounted by a tubercle, for ligamentous attachment. Its plantar surface is grooved antero-posteriorly for the passage of the flexor tendons , and marked on either side by an articular eminence continuous with the terminal articular surface. Articulations The base of each metatarsal bone articulates with one or more of the tarsal bones at the tarsometatarsal joints, and the head with one of the first row of phalanges at the metatarsophalangeal joints . Their bases also articulates with each others at the intermetatarsal joints The first metatarsal articulates with the medial cuneiform, and to a small extent to the intermediate cuneiform. the second with all three cuneiforms. the third with the lateral cuneiform. the fourth with the lateral cuneiform and the cuboid . The fifth with the cuboid. Injuries The metatarsal bones are often broken by football players.

These and other recent cases have been attributed to the modern lightweight design of football boots, which give less protection to the foot. Stress fractures are thought to account for 16% of injuries related to sports preparation, and the metatarsals are most often involved. These fractures are commonly called march fractures, as they were commonly diagnosed among military recruits after long marches. The second and third metatarsals are fixed while walking, thus these metatarsals are common sites of injury. The fifth metatarsal may be fractured if the foot is oversupinated during locomotion. (Wikipedia) foot injury metatarsal, sports injury, foot clinic Metatarsal Metatarsal bones or metatarsus are a group of five long bones in the foot located between the tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the phalanges of the toes . Metatarsal bones are numbered from the medial side (side of big toe ): the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth Metatarsal . Metatarsals bones are analogous to the metacarpal bones of the hand.

Question: What is the name for the five long bones in the foot that are numbered from the big toe (the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth) and are analogous to the metacarpal bones of the hand?
Answer: Metatarsals