Arches of Foot - Introduction and Formation

Arches of Foot - Introduction

• The bones of the foot are not horizontally aligned. They form 3 arches in relation to the ground:
  • Medial longitudinal arch
  • Lateral longitudinal arch
  • Transverse arch
• Function of the arches:
  • Absorb trauma (jumping)
  • Equal weight distribution from the body downwards during standing
  • Propulsion during walking

Formation of Medial Longitudinal Arch

• Formed by:
  • Calcaneus
  • Talus
  • Navicular
  • Cuneiforms
  • Metatarsals (1-3)
• Supports:
  • Ligaments:
    • Plantar calcaneo-navicular ligament (Spring Ligament)
  • Muscles:
    • Tibialis anterior
    • Tibialis posterior
    • Flexor digitorum longus
    • Flexor hallucis longus
    • Peroneus longus

Formation of Lateral Longitudinal Arch

• Formed by:
  • Calcaneus
  • Cuboid
  • Metatarsals (4 & 5)
• Supports:
  • Ligaments:
    • Long plantar ligament
    • Plantar calcaneo-cuboid ligament
  • Muscles:
    • Peroneus brevis
    • Peroneus longus

Formation of Transverse Arch

• Formed by:
  • Cuneiforms
  • Cuboid
  • Bases of 5 metatarsals
• Supported by:
  • Ligaments:
    • Interosseous ligaments between the tarsal bones
  • Muscles:
    • Peroneus longus
    • Tibialis posterior

Clinical Correlation

• Congenital Clubfoot (Congenital Equinovarus) is a structural defect causing the entire foot to be:
  • Plantarflexed (equinus)
  • Inverted (varus)
• Genetics strongly influence the deformity
  • Males are more frequently affected
  • Females often have a more severe deformity
• The bones are misaligned and abnormally shaped due to the deformity.
• The true clubfoot is smaller than normal after correction.
• Management:
  • Conservative: Splinting, casting
  • Surgical intervention may be required in some cases.

Arches of the Foot

• The foot has three arches: the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch, and the transverse arch.
• The arches of the foot provide support and shock absorption during weight-bearing activities.
• The arches are maintained by the ligaments, muscles, and bones of the foot.

Congenital Clubfoot

• Congenital clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus, is a birth defect in which the foot is turned inward and downward.
• The bones of the foot are in a horizontal plane, rather than the normal arched position.

Correction of Clubfoot

• The correction of clubfoot is a complex process that may require multiple surgeries and casts.
• The severity of the deformity, the age of the child, and the presence of other medical conditions can complicate the correction of congenital clubfoot.

Explore the three primary arches of the foot: medial, lateral, and transverse. Learn about their formation, the bones involved, and their essential functions such as trauma absorption and weight distribution. This quiz provides a deeper understanding of foot anatomy and biomechanics.