Abstract

The foot and ankle are complex structures that are essential for weight-bearing, balance, and mobility. A detailed understanding of the anatomy of the foot and ankle is essential for healthcare providers involved in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders. This article provides an overview of the anatomy of the foot and ankle, including the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. The article also discusses the functional anatomy of the foot and ankle, including the mechanisms of gait and the role of the foot and ankle in balance and stability. The bones of the foot and ankle include the tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges. The tarsal bones consist of seven bones that make up the hindfoot and midfoot, including the talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones. The metatarsals are five long bones that form the forefoot and connect to the phalanges, which are the bones of the toes. The joints of the foot and ankle include the ankle joint, subtalar joint, midtarsal joint, and various joints between the metatarsals and phalanges. The ligaments of the foot and ankle provide stability and support for the joints. The ankle joint is supported by the lateral and medial collateral ligaments, as well as the deltoid ligament on the medial side. The subtalar joint is supported by the talocalcaneal ligament, and the midtarsal joint is supported by the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament and the bifurcate ligament. The muscles of the foot and ankle are divided into intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.