What are the three parts of the foot? How the human foot works: anatomy, “weak points”, possible diseases and their prevention

The human foot is an inconspicuous but very important cog in the movement system. Every day she has to cope with unimaginable loads. Scientists have calculated that with a fast step, the speed with which it lands is 5 meters per second, that is, the impact force with the support is 120-250% of body weight. But each of us, on average, takes from 2 to 6 thousand such steps per day!

As a result of evolution, we have a practically perfect device adapted to such tests. Although the foot of a modern person is structurally almost the same as the foot of our ancestor 200-300 years ago, the person himself has changed. He has become taller, heavier, walks mainly on flat surfaces of asphalt and parquet. He is less mobile and lives much longer than a century and a half ago.

Chained in uncomfortable shoes, our feet are forced to change the biomechanics laid down by nature. Which ultimately leads to various deformations and diseases. In order to trace this relationship, let's first understand the structure of the human foot.

foot anatomy

Outwardly, the feet are very different: they are thin and wide, long and short. It happens that the length of the fingers also differs. So, there are three types of foot according to the ratio of the lengths of the first two fingers.

Foot types

Egyptian the foot is found in the majority of the world's population: their thumb is longer than the index. On the Greek a very small proportion of people walk on their feet, its distinguishing feature is that the second toe is longer than the first. And finally, the owners Roman type of foot (about a third of the population) have the same thumb and forefinger on the foot.

Arch of the foot

The arch of the foot is actually three arches - internal, external and front. In fact, these are three springs, or arches - two longitudinal and one transverse. The internal longitudinal arch (AC) connects the calcaneal tubercle and the head of the first metatarsal bone. The external longitudinal arch (BC) is formed between the heel tubercle and the fifth metatarsal bone. And the transverse arch (AB) is located perpendicular to them. What we call the height of the rise is precisely determined by the height of the arch of the transverse arch.

Anatomically isolated three divisions feet: front, middle and back. The anterior section is also called the toe or toe, it is formed from the fingers and metatarsus. The metatarsus is the five bones that connect the toes to the rest of the foot. The middle section of the foot is an arch formed from several bones: the scaphoid, cuboid and three cuneiform. The heel, or back section, is formed by two large bones - the talus and calcaneus.

Bones

Incredible, but true: a quarter of all the bones of the body are concentrated in our foot.

The average person has 26 of them, but very rarely people are born with atavisms in the form of a couple of additional bones. Damage to any of them leads to a violation of the biomechanics of movement of the whole body.

joints

A movable connection of two or more bones forms a joint. The places of their docking are covered with connective tissue - cartilage. It is thanks to them that we can move and walk smoothly.

The most important joints of the leg: ankle, working on the principle of a door hinge and connecting the foot to the leg; subtalar, responsible for motor rotations; wedge-navicular, compensating dysfunction of the subtalar joint. Finally, the five metatarsophalangeal joints connect the metatarsus and phalanges of the fingers.

muscles

The bones and joints of the leg are driven by 19 different muscles. The biomechanics of the human foot depends on the condition of the muscles. Their overexertion or excessive weakness can lead to improper position of the joints and bones. But the condition of the bones also affects the health of the muscles.

Ligaments and tendons

A tendon is an extension of a muscle. They bind muscles and bones. Despite their elasticity, they can be stretched if the muscle is stretched to the maximum. Unlike tendons, ligaments are not elastic, but are very flexible. Their purpose is to connect the joints.

blood supply

Blood to the feet comes through two leg arteries - the dorsal and posterior tibial. Thanks to them, nutrients and oxygen enter smaller vessels and further through the capillaries to all tissues of the foot. The blood with processed products is pumped back through two superficial and two deep veins. The longest - the great saphenous vein - runs from the big toe along the inside of the leg. Small saphenous vein - on the outside of the leg. Tibial veins are located in front and behind on the lower extremities.

Nervous system

Nerves transmit signals between the brain and nerve endings. There are four nerves in the feet - posterior tibial, superficial peroneal, deep peroneal, and gastrocnemius. The most common problems in this area are compression and pinching of the nerve associated with increased stress.

Foot functions

As we noted at the very beginning, the foot does important things. Knowing its device, we can already imagine how exactly it helps a person. So the foot provides:

Equilibrium. Due to the special mobility of the joints in all planes and maneuverability, the sole adheres to the surface on which we walk: hard, soft, uneven, unsteady, while we can stand or move forward and backward, from side to side and not fall.
Push. The foot not only maintains the balance of the body, but also allows it to make forward movement in any direction. When the heel comes into contact with the surface, a reaction to the support force occurs, the kinetic energy is transferred to the foot, which is stored for the time of full contact of the sole and the support, and then transferred to the whole body when the toes are pushed off the ground. This is how the step happens.
Springs. The ability to maintain an arched shape and spread out gently helps the foot absorb most of the shock loads. The knee and spine have a much smaller impact, and even 2% of the initial one reaches the head. Thus, the foot reduces the risk of microtrauma to the overlying ankle, knee, hip joints and spine. If this function is disturbed, then inflammatory processes develop in them, sometimes irreversible.
Reflexogenicity. A very large number of nerve endings are concentrated in the human foot. Their high concentration in such a small area ensures effective interaction with human reflex zones. This can be used to influence the internal organs through massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy.

In our daily life, the foot performs all these functions alternately. The quality of her work depends on the condition of her bones, joints, muscles and other components. At the slightest violation, a failure begins further up the chain. Even feet with a normal birth structure have their own tensile strength. With age or in the process of "exploitation" under the constant influence of static-dynamic loads, certain types of pathologies develop, among which flat feet are the most common. You can extend the life of your foot with proper distribution of loads, regular strengthening exercises and relaxation procedures.

The foot is the distal part of the lower limb of a person and is a complex articulation of small bones that form a peculiar and strong arch and serve as a support during movement or standing. The lower part of the foot that is in direct contact with the ground is called the sole (or foot), the opposite side is called the back of the foot. According to the structure of the skeleton of the foot, it can be divided into 3 parts:

tarsus,
metatarsus,
phalanges of fingers.

Thanks to the multiple articulations and arched design, the foot is remarkably strong, yet flexible and resilient at the same time. The main function of the foot is to hold the human body in a vertical position and ensure its movement in space.

Foot skeleton

To understand the structure of the joints of the foot, it is necessary to have an idea of the anatomy of its bones. Each foot consists of 26 individual bones, which are divided into 3 parts.

Tarsus:

talus,
heel,
scaphoid,
lateral, intermediate and medial wedge-shaped,
cuboid.

Metatarsus, which consists of 5 short tubular bones located between the tarsus and the proximal phalanges of the toes.

The phalanges of the fingers are short tubular bones that form the segments of the toes (proximal, intermediate, and distal phalanges). All fingers, except the first, consist of 3 phalanges. The thumb in its composition has only 2 phalanges, as in the hands.

Features of the joints of the foot

Intertarsal

The bones of the metatarsus form a whole group of joints among themselves. Let's consider them in more detail.

rammed

The calcaneal and talus bones take part in its formation. The joint has a cylindrical shape. The joint capsule is poorly stretched. The surfaces of the bones that form the joint are covered with smooth hyaline cartilage, along the edge of which the joint capsule is attached. Outside, the articulation is additionally strengthened by several ligaments: interosseous, lateral and medial, talocalcaneal.

talocalcaneal-navicular

As the name implies, the articulation is formed by the articular surfaces of the talus, calcaneus and scaphoid bones. It is located in front of the rammed. The talus forms the head of the joint, and the other two form the articular cavity for it. The joint is spherical in shape, but movements in it are possible only around one sagittal axis. The articular capsule is attached to the edges of the hyaline cartilage that covers the articular surfaces. The joint is strengthened by such ligaments: talonavicular, calcaneal-navicular plantar.

Calcaneocuboid

It is located between the articular surfaces of the calcaneus and cuboid bones. The joint is saddle-shaped in shape, but movements are possible only around one axis. The capsule is tightly stretched and is attached along the edges of the articular cartilage. The articulation participates in the movements of the two previous joints, increasing the range of motion. The following ligaments strengthen it: long plantar, calcaneocuboid plantar.

This joint, together with the talocalcaneal-navicular, is usually divided into one joint, which is called the transverse tarsal joint. The articulation line is S-shaped. Both joints are separated from each other, but have one common ligament - forked.

wedge-shaped

This is a complex articulation, in the construction of which the navicular, cuboid and three cuneiform bones of the tarsus take part. All individual joints are enclosed in a single joint capsule, which is attached to the edges of the articular cartilage. The joint is reinforced with such ligaments and is inactive:

dorsal and plantar cuneiform,
dorsal and plantar cuboid-navicular,
dorsal and plantar cuneiform,
dorsal and plantar intercuneiform.

Tarsus-metatarsals

This group of joints connects the bones of the tarsus and metatarsus. There are three such joints:

between the medial sphenoid bone and 1 metatarsal;
between the lateral, intermediate sphenoid and 2-3 metatarsal bones;
between the cuboid and 4-5 metatarsal bones.

The first joint is saddle-shaped, the rest are flat. The line of these joints is uneven. Each articulation has a separate capsule, which is attached to the edges of the articular hyaline cartilage. The joints are reinforced with such ligaments: dorsal and plantar tarsal-metatarsal, interosseous metatarsal and cuneiform.

Intermetatarsal

These are small joints that connect the bases of individual metatarsal bones. Each such joint is reinforced with ligaments: interosseous metatarsal, dorsal and plantar metatarsal. The space between the tubular bones of the metatarsus is called the interosseous metatarsal spaces.

Metatarsophalangeal

The heads of the 5 metatarsal bones and the bases of the proximal phalanges of the fingers take part in the construction of these joints. Each articulation has its own capsule, which is attached along the edges of the cartilage of the articulation, it is poorly stretched. All these joints are spherical in shape.

On the back side, the capsule is not strengthened in any way, there are collateral ligaments on the sides, and plantar ones on the plantar side. In addition, a deep transverse metatarsal ligament runs between the heads of all metatarsal bones.

Interphalangeal joints of the foot

This group of joints connects the proximal phalanges of the fingers with the intermediate ones, and the intermediate ones with the distal ones. They are blocky in shape. The articular capsule is thin, reinforced from below by plantar ligaments, and on the sides by collateral ligaments.

Joints and ligaments of the metatarsus and phalanges of the toes

Frequent illnesses

Every day, the joints of the foot are subjected to enormous loads, supporting the weight of the entire body. This leads to frequent traumatization of individual components of the joints, which may be accompanied by inflammation and deformity. As a rule, the main symptom of diseases of the joints of the foot is pain, but it is difficult to immediately establish its cause, since there are many pathologies that affect these joints. Let's take a closer look at the most common of them.

Arthrosis

Deforming osteoarthritis of the joints of the feet is a fairly common pathology, especially among women. As a rule, the disease begins at the age of 40-50 years, although there are also earlier cases of pathology. The metatarsophalangeal joint of the thumb is most commonly affected.

This disease is often mistakenly called gout because of the similarity in the localization of the pathological process, although there is nothing in common between these ailments. Also, many associate the disease with the mythical deposition of salts, unhealthy diet, which also does not correspond to reality.

In fact, the formation of a bump on the joint of the big toe and the deformation of other structural components of the foot is associated with the negative influence of the following factors and, as a rule, develops in people genetically prone to this:

traumatic injuries of the foot skeleton in the past (bruises, fractures, dislocations);
some features of the structure of the foot, for example, in persons with a wide foot;
the presence of congenital or acquired types of deformities, for example, flat feet;
wearing uncomfortable and model shoes that do not fit in size, shoes with high heels;
overweight and obesity;
constant overload of the joints of the foot (activity that is associated with prolonged standing, walking, running, jumping);
a history of arthritis
endocrine and metabolic diseases;
congenital or acquired deformities of the joints of the legs (hip, knee, ankle), which leads to an incorrect distribution of the load on the feet and their constant microtrauma.

The disease is characterized by 3 stages and a slow but steady progression:

Stage 1: the patient complains of pain in the feet, which occurs after prolonged overload or at the end of the working day, quickly disappears after a few hours of rest on its own. There is no deformity as such yet, but those who are attentive to themselves may notice a minimal deviation of the thumb outward. Also often there is a crunch when moving in the joints.
Stage 2: now the pain appears even after normal exertion and often patients have to resort to treatment with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate it. The deformity of the toe becomes noticeable, in all patients the size of the shoes increases, it becomes difficult to fit, given the protruding bone and the deviation of the thumb to the side.
Stage 3: The pain becomes constant and is not completely relieved by analgesics. The finger and the entire foot are severely deformed, the supporting function of the foot is partially lost.

Three stages of deforming osteoarthritis of the foot

Treatment of the disease must begin at the initial stages. Only in this case can its progression be slowed down. The main therapeutic measures are the elimination of all risk factors and possible causes of arthrosis. In addition, medicinal methods of therapy, various folk remedies, physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises can be used. In the case when the pathological process has gone far, only surgery will help. Surgical intervention can be sparing (arthrodesis, resection of exostoses, arthroplasty) or radical (arthroplasty).

Arthritis

Absolutely all joints of the foot can become inflamed. Depending on the causes, primary and secondary arthritis are distinguished. In the first case, the joint is directly damaged, in the second, its inflammation is a consequence of the underlying disease.

Foot deformity in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of arthritis are more or less the same. Patients complain about:

pain in the affected joints, the nature of which and intensity depend on the etiology of inflammation;
swelling of the affected joint or the whole foot;
redness of the skin over the inflamed area;
in some cases, there are signs of general malaise: fever, general weakness, fatigue, pain in the muscles of the body, disturbed sleep and appetite, skin rash;
dysfunction of the joint due to pain and swelling;
in the case of chronic arthritis - gradual deformity of the foot and partial or complete loss of its functions.

Gouty arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe

Treatment of arthritis in the first place should be aimed at eliminating its root cause. Therefore, only a specialist should engage in therapy after making the correct diagnosis. Incorrect treatment is a direct path to the development of a chronic form of inflammation and deformity of the foot joints.

Foot deformities

Foot deformities can be either congenital or acquired. They are caused by a change in the shape or length of the bones, shortening of the tendons, pathology of the muscles, articular and ligamentous apparatus of the foot.

With the development of this pathology, flattening of all the arches of the foot occurs, due to which its depreciation abilities are violated. Flat feet can be congenital, and can occur in the process of human life due to excessive stress on the lower extremities, rickets, the development of osteoporosis, various injuries, obesity, wearing inappropriate shoes, and damage to the nerve endings of the legs.

This is what flatfoot looks like

Clubfoot

This is a fairly common type of foot deformity, as a rule, is congenital. It is characterized by shortening of the foot and its position by the type of supination, which is caused by subluxation in the ankle. The acquired form of deformation develops due to paresis or paralysis, traumatic injuries of soft tissues or the skeleton of the lower extremities.

Other types of foot deformities (less common) include equine, calcaneal, and hollow feet.

There are many more diseases that can affect the joints of the feet, such as traumatic injuries or tumors. But, as a rule, they all manifest quite similar symptoms. Therefore, in case of pain, fatigue, swelling, deformation of the structures of the foot, be sure to seek specialized help, since not only your health and activity, but also life may depend on this.

In total, there are 26 bones in the foot + from 2 sesamoid bones (minimum). For this reason, the foot is deservedly considered the most complex anatomical formation, and, along with the hand, has earned a separate orthopedic subspecialty.

The bones of the foot, ossa pedis, are divided into three sections: the tarsus, tarsus, which forms the posterior section of the foot skeleton, the metatarsus, metatarsus, is its central section and the fingers, digiti, representing the distal section.

Foot bones.

BONES OF THE TARSAL. The tarsal skeleton includes 7 bones. It is customary to distinguish two rows in it: the proximal, consisting of two bones (talus and calcaneus), and the distal, including four bones (three sphenoid and cuboid). Between these rows of bones is the navicular bone. The bones of the proximal row are located one above the other: below - the calcaneus, calcaneus, above - the talus, talus. Because of this arrangement, the talus has a second name - the supracalcaneus.

Talus, talus, has a head, neck and body. The head, caput tali, is directed forward, has a spherical articular surface for articulation with the navicular bone, facies articularis navicularis. A short narrowed part of the bone departs from the head - the neck, collum tali, connecting the head to the body. The protruding part of the body with three articular surfaces is called the block, trochlea tali. Of these three articular surfaces, the upper, facies superior, serves to articulate with the tibia. Two lateral surfaces are ankle, fades malleolaris medialis et lateralis. To the side of the latter is the lateral process, processus lateralis tali. Behind the block of the talus, a rough posterior process protrudes, processus posterior tali. It is divided by the groove of the tendon of the long flexor of the big toe, sulcus tendinis i.e. flexoris hallucis longi, into two tubercles. On the lower surface of the body there are two articular surfaces separated by a wide groove, sulcus tali: posterior, facies articularis calcanea posterior, and anterior, facies articularis calcanea anterior.

Talus.

calcaneus, calcaneus, is the most massive of the bones of the foot. It distinguishes the body, corpus calcanei, ending behind the calcaneal tuber, tuber calcanei; on the medial side of the body there is a protrusion - the support of the talus, sustentaculum tali. On the upper surface of the body are the posterior and anterior articular surfaces, corresponding to those on the talus, facies articularis talaris posterior et anterior, while the anterior, like the talus, is divided into two parts, one of which (medial) extends to the sustentaculum tali. The anterior and posterior articular surfaces are separated by a wide rough calcaneal groove, sulcus calcanei. This groove, together with the groove of the talus, forms a depression - the tarsal sinus, sinus tarsi, which opens on the body of the bone from the lateral side. Sustentaculum tali departs from the body of the calcaneus from the medial side. It supports the head of the talus. On its lower surface there is the already mentioned groove, sulcus tendinis t. flexoris hallucis longi, which is a continuation of the groove of the same name on the talus. On the lateral side of the calcaneus is a small process - the fibular block, trochlea peronealis. Under it passes the groove of the tendons of the peroneal muscles, sulcus tendinis tt. peronei. At the anterior end of the body there is another articular platform for articulation with the cuboid bone, facies articularis cuboidea.

Calcaneus.

Scaphoid, os naviculare, so named because its shape resembles a boat, the concavity of which faces the head of the talus. The concavity is occupied by the articular surface for the talus. The convex side of it is directed to the three sphenoid bones. This surface is divided by ridges into three unequal articular areas for these bones. On the lateral side there is an articular surface for the cuboid bone. At the medial edge of the bone is tuberosity, tuberositas ossis navicularis, to which the tendon of the posterior tibial muscle is attached.

Scaphoid.

Three cuneiform bones, ossa cuneiformia, are part of the distal row of the tarsus and lie, as indicated, anterior to the scaphoid. All three bones justify their name in shape, but differ from each other in size and position.

Internal, median, external cuneiform bones.

Os cuneiforme mediale - the largest of the three named bones, with a wedge point facing the rear of the foot, and with an expanded base - to the sole. It has three articular surfaces: posterior (depressed) - for articulation with the navicular bone, anterior (flat) - for articulation with the first metatarsal bone, and lateral - for articulation with the sphenoid bone.

Os cuneiforme intermedium - the smallest of the three sphenoid bones, and the shape most corresponding to the wedge. Unlike the previous bone, its base faces the rear of the foot, and the sharp edge faces the sole. It has articular platforms for the surrounding bones: behind - for the scaphoid, in front - for the second metatarsal, from the outer and inner sides - for the neighboring sphenoid.

Os cuneiforme laterale - compared to the previous ones, it is medium in size, has a regular wedge-shaped shape, the base is facing the rear of the foot, and the top is the sole. It has the following articular platforms: behind - for os naviculare, in front - for os metatarsale III, on the inside - for os cuneiforme intermedium and os metatarsale II, on the outside - for os cuboideum.

Internal, median, external cuneiform and cuboid bones.

Cuboid, os cuboideum, is located on the lateral edge of the foot between the calcaneus at the back, the IV and V metatarsal bones at the front, therefore there are two articular platforms on its front surface, and one on the back. The inner surface is in contact with the lateral sphenoid and scaphoid bones, therefore, it bears two articular surfaces for articulation with them. Moreover, the first of them (for the lateral sphenoid bone) is large in size, and the posterior one is small, sometimes absent. The lateral edge of the bone is free from articular surfaces. On the plantar side there is a tuberosity, tuberositas ossis cuboidei, anterior to which there is a groove for the passage of the tendon of the long peroneal muscle, sulcus tendinis musculi peronei longi.

METASUS BONES. The metatarsus, tarsus, consists of five short tubular bones that have a body, corpus, head, caput, and base, basis. The bones of the metatarsus are similar in shape and structure, but differ in size: the first metatarsal bone (located on the side of the thumb) is the shortest and most massive, the second is the longest. The heads of the metatarsal bones are narrowed compared to the bones of the metacarpus, significantly compressed from the sides. The bodies are prismatic, curved in the sagittal plane, convexly facing the rear. The bases of the metatarsal bones articulate with the bones of the distal row of the tarsus and are provided with characteristic articular surfaces. The head of os metatarsale I is divided on the plantar side by a protrusion into two platforms for articulation with the sesamoid bones. On the basis of this bone there is a concave surface for articulation with os cuneiforme mediale. On the side of the sole, there is tuberosity on the base, tuberositas ossis metatarsalis I. The bases of os metatarsale II and III resemble a wedge, with its tip pointing down. The base of os metatarsale IV approaches a cube in shape. On the base of os metatarsale V, on the lateral side, there is a tuberosity, tuberositas ossis metatarsalis V, to which the tendon of the short peroneal muscle is attached.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th metatarsals.

The bones of the metatarsus and tarsus do not lie in the same plane, but form longitudinal arches, convexly facing upwards. As a result, the foot rests on the ground only with some points of its lower surface: behind the fulcrum is the calcaneal tubercle, in front - the heads of the metatarsal bones. The phalanges of the fingers only touch the area of support. According to the bones of the metatarsus, five longitudinal arches of the foot are distinguished. Of these, the arches I-III do not touch the support plane when the foot is loaded, therefore they are spring-loaded; IV and V - are adjacent to the area of \u200b\u200bthe support, they are called support. Due to the different shape and convexity of the longitudinal arches, the lateral edge of the foot (IV-V arches) descends to the area of support, the medial edge (I-III arches) has a distinct arched shape.

In addition to the longitudinal arches, two transverse arches (tarsal and metatarsal) are distinguished, located in the frontal plane, bulging upwards. The tarsal arch is located in the region of the tarsal bones; metatarsal - in the area of \u200b\u200bthe heads of the metatarsal bones. Moreover, in the metatarsal arch, the support planes touch the heads of only the first and fifth metatarsal bones.

The arches of the foot provide a shock-absorbing function during static loads and walking, and also prevent compression of soft tissues during movement and create favorable conditions for normal blood circulation.

PHALANX TOES. The skeleton of the toes is similar to the skeleton of the fingers of the hand, that is, it consists of phalanges, phalanges digitorum pedis, the number, shape and names of which are the same as on the hand (I toe, hallux, also has only two phalanges). The phalanges of the I finger are thicker, in the remaining fingers their sizes are much smaller, especially the short phalanges are in the IV and V fingers. In the little finger, the middle and distal (nail) phalanges are often fused. The body of the proximal phalanges is much thinner compared to the middle and distal ones, and is close to a cylinder in shape.

On the foot, as well as on the hand, there are sesamoid bones. They are located constantly in the region of the metatarsophalangeal joints of the thumb and little finger, and in the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. In addition to the named sesamoid bones, there are also unstable bones in the tendons of m. peroneus longus et m. tibialis posterior.

FOOT BONE JOINTS

All joints of the bones of the foot, articulationes ossa pedis, can be divided into four groups:

1) articulation between the bones of the foot and lower leg - articulatio talocruralis;

2) articulations between the bones of the tarsus - articulationes subtalaris, talocalcaneonavicularis, calcaneocuboidea, cuneonavicularis, intertarseae;

3) articulations between the bones of the tarsus and metatarsus - articulationes tarsometatarseae;

4) articulations between the bones of the fingers - articulationes metatarsophalangeae and interphalangeae.

ANKLE JOINT. The ankle joint, articulatio talocruralis (supratalar joint), is formed by both bones of the lower leg and the talus. Its articular surfaces are: the articular fossa, which looks like a fork, formed by fades articularis inferior tibiae, fades articularis malleoli medialis (on the tibia), fades articularis malleoli lateralis (on the fibula). The articular head is represented by a block of the talus with its articular surfaces: facies superior, facies malleolaris medialis and facies malleolaris lateralis.

The joint capsule is attached along the edge of the articular cartilage and only recedes in front of it (about 0.5 cm on the tibia, almost 1 cm on the talus). It is free front and back. From the sides, the capsule is stretched and reinforced with strong ligaments. Ligaments that strengthen the joint are located on its lateral surfaces.

The medial (deltoid) ligament, ligamentum mediale, includes four parts: the tibial-navicular part, pars tibionavicular, the anterior and posterior tibiotalar parts, partes tibiotalares anterior et posterior, and the tibiocalcaneal part, pars tibiocalcanea.

On the lateral side, the joint capsule is reinforced by three ligaments. The anterior talofibular ligament, ligamentum talofibulare anterius, runs almost horizontally from the anterior margin of the malleolus lateralis to the anterior margin of the lateral platform of the talus. The calcaneofibular ligament, ligamentum calcaneofibulare, starts from the outer surface of the malleolus lateralis, goes down and back to the lateral side of the calcaneus. The posterior talofibular ligament, ligamentum talofibulare posterius, connects the posterior edge of the malleolus lateralis to the posterior process of the talus.

The ankle joint in shape is a typical block-shaped. It allows movements around the frontal axis: plantar flexion; extension (dorsal flexion). Due to the fact that the talus block is narrower behind, lateral rocking movements are possible with maximum plantar flexion. Movements in the ankle joint are combined with movements in the subtalar and talocalcaneal-navicular joints.

JOINTS OF THE TARSAL BONES. The articulations of the tarsal bones are represented by the following joints: subtalar, talocalcaneal-navicular, calcaneocuboid, cunei-navicular.

The subtalar joint, articulatio subtalaris, is formed by the articulation of the posterior calcaneal articular surface, facies articularis calcanea posterior, on the talus and the posterior talar articular surface, facies articularis talaris posterior, on the calcaneus. The joint is cylindrical, it can move only around the sagittal axis.

The talocalcaneal-navicular joint, articulatio talocalcaneonaviculars, has a spherical shape. It distinguishes the articular head and cavity. The articular head is represented by the navicular articular surface, facies articularis navicularis, and the anterior calcaneal articular surface, facies articularis calcanea anterior, which are located on the talus. The articular cavity is formed by the posterior articular surface, facies articularis posterior, of the navicular bone and the anterior talar articular surface, facies articularis talaris anterior, of the calcaneus. The articular capsule is attached to the edges of the articular surfaces.

Subtalar, talocalcaneal-navicular, calcaneocuboid, spheno-navicular, tarsal-metatarsal joints.

The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament, ligamentum calcaneonaviculare plantare, strengthens the joint capsule from below. In the place where the ligament is in contact with the head of the talus, in its thickness there is a layer of fibrous cartilage, which is involved in the formation of the articular cavity. When it is stretched, the head of the talus descends and the foot flattens. On the dorsal surface, the joint is strengthened by the talonavicular ligament, ligamentum talonavicular. This ligament connects the dorsal surface of the neck of the talus and the scaphoid. On the sides, the joint is strengthened by the lateral talocalcaneal ligament, ligamentum talocalcaneum laterale, and the medial talocalcaneal ligament, ligamentum talocalcaneum mediale. The lateral talocalcaneal ligament is located at the entrance to the sinus tarsi in the form of a wide ribbon, has an oblique direction of the fibers and goes from the lower and outer surfaces of the neck of the talus to the upper surface of the calcaneus. The medial talocalcaneal ligament is narrow, extending from the tuberculum posterius tali to the posterior edge of the sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus. The tarsal sinus, sinus tarsi, is filled with a very strong interosseous talocalcaneal ligament, ligamentum talocalcaneum interosseum.

Despite the fact that the talocalcaneonavicular joint is spherical in shape of the articular surfaces, movement in it occurs only around an axis that passes through the medial part of the head of the talus to the lateral surface of the calcaneus (slightly below and posterior to the place of attachment of the ligamentum calcaneofibulare). This axis also serves as an axis for the articulatio subtalaris. Consequently, both joints function as a combined talo-tarsal joint, articulatio talotarsalis. In this case, the talus remains motionless, and together with the calcaneus and navicular bones, the entire foot moves.

When the foot rotates outward, the medial edge of the foot (supinatio) rises and at the same time it is brought (adductio). When the foot rotates inward (pronatio), the medial edge of the foot falls, and the lateral edge rises. In this case, the foot is retracted.

Thus, during foot movements, extension (extensio, or flexio dorsalis) is combined with supination and adduction (supinatio, adductio); flexion of the foot (flexio plantaris) can be combined with both pronation and abduction (pronatio, abductio), and with supination and adduction (supinatio, adductio). In a child (especially in the first year of life), the foot is in a supinated position, so when walking, the child places the foot on its lateral edge.

The ankle joint (supratalar joint), subtalar and talocalcaneal-navicular joints (articulatio talotarsalis) can function independently. In the first, flexion and extension predominate, in the other two - supination and pronation. But this rarely happens, usually they function together, forming, as it were, one joint - the joint of the foot, articulatio pedis, in which the talus plays the role of a bone disk.

The heel-cube joint, articulatio calcaneocuboidea, is formed by the articular surfaces: facies articularis cuboidea calcanei and fades articularis posterior ossis cuboidei.

The articular surfaces are saddle-shaped. The articular capsule on the medial side is thick, strong and tightly stretched, on the lateral side it is thin and free. The capsule is reinforced with ligaments, which are especially developed on the plantar side. The strongest of them is the long plantar ligament, ligamentum plantare longum. This ligament starts from the lower roughness of the calcaneus and consists of several layers. Its deep bundles are attached to tuberositas ossis cuboidei; the superficial bundles are the longest, they are thrown over the sulcus tendineus t. peronei longi (turning the groove into a channel in which the t. peroneus longus is located) and attached to the bases of ossa metatarsalia II-V.

Deeper than the long plantar ligament is the plantar calcaneocuboid ligament, ligamentum calcaneocuboideum plantare, consisting of short fibers that lie directly on the joint capsule and connect sections of the plantar surfaces of the calcaneus and cuboid bones.

The calcaneocuboid joint is saddle-shaped in shape, but functions as a uniaxial rotational joint, combining with the talocalcaneonavicular and subtalar joints.

From a surgical point of view, articulatio calcaneocuboidea and articulatio talonavicularis (part of articulatio talocalcaneonaviculars) are considered as one joint - the transverse tarsal joint articulatio tarsi transversa (Chopard's joint). The articular surfaces of these joints have a slightly pronounced S-shaped shape, that is, they are located almost on the same transversely oriented line. Along this line, you can make an articulation of the foot. In this case, it is necessary to dissect a special bifurcated ligament, ligamentum bifurcatum (the key of Choparov's joint), which holds the calcaneus, scaphoid and cuboid bones relative to each other. Ligamentum bifurcatum (bifurcated ligament) begins on the upper edge of the calcaneus and is divided into two ligaments: calcaneonavicular, ligamentum calcaneonaviculare, and calcaneocuboid, ligamentum calcaneocuboideum. The calcaneonavicular ligament is attached to the posterolateral margin of the os naviculare, and the calcaneocuboid ligament is attached to the dorsal surface of the cuboid bone.

The wedge-shaped joint, articulatio cuneonavicularis, is formed by facies articularis anterior ossis navicularis and the posterior articular surfaces of ossa cuneiformia I-III, as well as the lateral articular areas of the sphenoid, cuboid and navicular bones facing each other. The joint cavity has the form of a frontal fissure, from which one process extends backward (between the scaphoid and cuboid bones), and three forward (between the three sphenoid bones and the cuboid). The joint is flat, the joint capsule is attached along the edges of the articular surfaces. The joint cavity is in constant communication with the articulatio tarsometatarsea II through the gap between the ossa cuneiformia mediale et intermedium. The joint is strengthened by the dorsal and plantar cuneiform ligaments, ligamenta cuneonavicularia plantaria et dorsalia, interosseous intersphenoid ligaments, ligamenta intercuneiformia interossea, dorsal and plantar intersphenoid ligaments, ligamenta intercuneiformia dorsalia etplantaria. Interosseous ligaments can only be seen on a horizontal cut of the foot or on an open joint when the articulating bones are pulled apart. The joint is typically flat, with little movement between the bones.

ANTI-METASATSA JOINTS. The joints between the tarsal and metatarsal bones (articulationes tarsometatarseae) are flat joints (only in articulation I of the metatarsal bone there are weakly pronounced saddle surfaces). There are three of these joints: the first is between os cuneiforme mediale and os metatarsale I; the second - between ossa cuneiformia intermedium et laterale and ossa metatarsalia II et III (the cavity of this joint communicates with the articulatio cuneonavicularis); the third is between os cuboideum and ossa metatarsalia IV et V.

All three joints from a surgical point of view are combined into one joint - the Lisfranc joint, which is also used to isolate the distal part of the foot. The joint capsules are strengthened by the dorsal and plantar tarsal-metatarsal ligaments, ligamenta tarsometatarsea dorsalia et plantaria.

Between the sphenoid and metatarsal bones there are also three interosseous sphenoid-metatarsal ligaments, ligamenta cuneometatarsea interossea. The medial interosseous sphenoid metatarsal ligament, which is stretched between the medial sphenoid bone and the second metatarsal bone, is the key of the Lisfranc joint. The tarsal-metatarsal joints are flat in shape, inactive.

Intermetatarsal joints, articulationes intermetatarseae, are formed by the surfaces of the metatarsal bones facing each other. Their capsules are strengthened by the dorsal and plantar metatarsal ligaments, ligamenta metatarsea dorsalia et plantaria. There are also interosseous metatarsal ligaments, ligamenta metatarsea interossea.

On the foot, as well as on the hand, one can distinguish a solid base, that is, a complex of bones that are connected to each other almost immobile (the movements here are minimal). The solid base of the foot contains more bones (10): os naviculare; ossa cuneiformia mediale, intermedium, laterale; os cuboideum; ossa metatarsalia I, II, III, IV, V, which is associated with the difference in the functions of the foot and hand.

The metatarsophalangeal joints, articulationes metatarsophalangeae, are formed by the heads of the metatarsal bones and the pits of the bases of the proximal phalanges. The articular surfaces of the heads of ossa metatarsalia II-V have an irregular spherical shape: the plantar section of the articular surface is significantly flattened. The articular pits of the phalanges are oval in shape. The joint capsule is free, attached at the edge of the articular cartilage; the back is very thin. From the lateral and medial sides, the joints are supported by collateral ligaments, ligamenta collateralia. On the plantar side, the joints are strengthened by plantar ligaments, ligamenta plantaria (these ligaments sometimes contain inclusions of fibrous cartilage and sesamoid bones). There is also a deep transverse metatarsal ligament, ligamentum metatarseum transversum profundum. It is a fibrous cord, which is located transversely between the heads of the I-V metatarsal bones and fuses with the capsules of the metatarsophalangeal joints, connecting the heads of all metatarsal bones. This ligament plays an important role in the formation of the transverse metatarsal arch of the foot.

Articulatio metatarsophalangea I differs in some features: two sesamoid bones are constantly enclosed in the plantar part of the capsule of this joint, which correspond to two grooves on the articular surface of the head of os metatarsale I. Therefore, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the thumb functions as a block joint. It performs flexion and extension around the frontal axis. The joints of the other four fingers function as ellipsoids. Flexion and extension around the frontal axis, abduction and adduction around the sagittal axis, and a small amount of circular motion are possible in them.

JOINTS OF FINGER BONES. Interphalangeal joints, articulationes interphalangeae, are similar in shape and function to those of the hand. They belong to block joints. They are strengthened by collateral ligaments, ligamenta collateralia, and plantar ligaments, ligamenta plantaria. In the normal state, the proximal phalanges are in a state of dorsiflexion, and the middle ones are in plantar flexion.

The foot is the lower anatomical part of the leg. In the language of medical terminology, it is located most distally, that is, far from the center of the body or the place of attachment to the body. The skeleton of the foot is quite complex and perfectly matches the function assigned to the human foot. They have gone through a long evolution to adapt to walking upright.

Bone base of the foot

On the foot, areas formed by certain bone groups are distinguished: the tarsus metatarsus and the phalanges of the fingers.

The tarsus is the portion of the foot located just below the ankle joint. From above, it is bounded by a circular line drawn through the posterior edge of the calcaneus along the lower edges of the ankles, which corresponds to the upper border of the human foot. The tarsus consists of seven spongy bones, which are arranged in two rows:

The back row is the very part that is the main structure of the heel and consists of two relatively massive bones of a complex “irregular” shape: the talus and calcaneus.
The front row is divided into two more sections - the one located on the side (medial) and the one located on the side of the outer edge (lateral). The first includes three sphenoid bones and the navicular, which occupies an intermediate position between them and the head of the talus. The second is represented by only one cuboid - it is located between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones in front and the calcaneus behind.

The metatarsus occupies an intermediate position among the three areas. Here the variety of sizes, shapes and names stops abruptly. It is built from five bones, which are very similar to those located in the metacarpus of the upper limb. They consist of several parts:

grounds;
body;
heads.

The phalanges are the smallest of all the bones in the foot. Each finger is formed from three such bones, with the exception of the large one - the structure of the human foot is such that it contains only two phalanges. It is also called the first, it is with it that the numbering of the toes begins - from I to V.

In addition to the listed bones, there are also special sesamoid bones, which are small in size and serve to protect the tendons and increase their leverage. They can be located between the phalanges of the thumb, as well as in the area of \u200b\u200bthe joints of the bones of the metatarsus and phalanges.

Ankle joint

The anatomy of the human foot is rich in interosseous connections, which, for the most part, are represented by joints - they are strengthened by ligaments. Before analyzing each separately, it is necessary to summarize the general information about what a joint is. This is a synovial connection that can participate in a wide variety of movements, depending on its structure (in the photo of the diagram on the right). It may contain the following articular elements:

surfaces;
cartilage;
cavity;
capsule;
discs and menisci;
lip.

It should be remembered that the joint is at the top of development among all other interosseous joints, in the structure of the foot one of them occupies a special position - it is the most significant and rather complex. Ankle joint. It is so large and powerful that it has been separated into a separate anatomical region - the “ankle region”. It is formed from certain parts:

The articular surfaces are formed with the help of the tibia and fibula, their lower ends - they form a recess for, covering it from several sides. The block is also involved in the construction of the joint. There are 6 surfaces in total.
Hyaline cartilage covers the outer parts of the connecting surfaces, preventing them from directly touching. It forms a joint space, defined on the x-ray as the distance between the bones.
The joint capsule is attached just along the edge of the cartilage and in front captures a section of the talus - its neck.

Do not forget about the presence of a ligamentous apparatus, often accompanying interosseous joints. The ankle joint is strengthened by the medial and lateral accessory ligaments. The first resembles the letter delta from the Greek alphabet: from above it is attached to the inner ankle, from below - to the scaphoid, talus and calcaneus. The second - goes from the outer ankle, diverging in three directions, forming ligaments.

This joint is defined as a trochlear articulation: it moves around the frontal axis, only when flexed can the human "paw" move sideways.

Other joints of the foot and their ligaments

There are many movable joints directly between the bones of the human foot (full diagram in the photo). There are four in the tarsal area alone:

Subtalar joint. It has a cylindrical shape, limited in mobility. The joint is supported by three connective tissue strands. Differs in functional integrity from the point of view of clinic.
The talocalcaneal-navicular joint is considered to be a spherical joint, however, it is mobile only in one sagittal plane around the axis.
The calcaneocuboid joint takes part in the motor activity of the two above. Together with the previous joint, it is called the "transverse tarsal joint". It is surrounded by two ligaments, which are a continuation of the so-called bifurcated ligament. It is considered the "key" of the joint, since it must be cut in order to gain full access to it.
Wedge-navicular joint. It is easy to guess what articular surfaces it consists of - all three sphenoid bones take part in their formation in front. The synovial connection is strengthened by several groups of tarsal ligaments.

The anatomy of the foot is complex and varied. In addition to the above joints of the lower human leg, there are five tarsal-metatarsal, metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. The latter in the area of the fifth finger does not have to be present, since the middle and distal phalanx of this finger can be fused. There are also intermetatarsal joints reinforced by the dorsal, interosseous, and plantar ligaments of the metatarsus. The ligamentous and articular apparatus of the foot must be protected, since each of its elements performs a specific function that ensures the most comfortable movement in this area.

Muscle groups of the foot

The structure of the foot, as you know, is not limited to the skeleton. The muscular composition of the human foot area, as well as the articular one, is very diverse.

The table shows the muscles and their groups that descend from the lower leg to the foot.

Group	Name of the muscle	Function (for foot movement)
Front	Long extensor thumb	Extension of the thumb, as well as the foot as a whole, while raising its inner edge
	Long finger extensor	Participates in extension, lifting the outer edge, abduction to the side
	Anterior tibial	Extension, raises the inner edge
Lateral	long fibula	Pronation, abduction, flexion
	Short fibular	Pronation, abduction, flexion
rear
Surface layer	Form the Achilles tendon	Motor activity of the ankle joint
deep layer	Long finger flexor	Supination and flexion
	Posterior tibial	Adduction and flexion
	Long flexor of the big toe	Can bend not only the first finger, but also play a role in bending others

Given the serious functional role of the foot, it is easy to assume that in addition to the tendons listed above, which are attached to its bones, short muscles are located on them, by analogy with the upper limbs. The structure of the human foot suggests the presence of certain groups:

lateral;
middle;
dorsal muscles;
plantar muscles.

It is important to remember that the anatomical terminology is constructed in such a way that often the very name of the muscle contains its function. Often, movements are carried out by several of them at once. If one muscle is damaged, its role may be partially compensated by another that performs a similar function.

Vascular and nervous formations of the foot area

In humans, the body is arranged in such a way that often the vessels and nerves extend through the body, accompanying each other. Such relationships became known as neurovascular bundles. They are located in almost every area.

So, the tibial bundle in front is represented by the following formations:

anterior tibial artery;
two anterior tibial veins;
deep peroneal nerve.

When they pass to the foot, their names change: the dorsal artery of the foot, the dorsal veins of the foot, and the two dorsal digital nerves, respectively. The arterial vessel branches into many branches, supplying blood to various areas of the foot. The nerve is responsible only for the movement of the short extensor of the fingers and the sensitivity of the skin of the sides of the fingers turned towards each other in the region of the first interdigital space. The skin of the remaining areas of the phalanges from the rear is innervated by the branches of the superficial peroneal nerve, which runs from the side of the location of the lateral muscles of the leg.

The posterior, so-called, tibial bundle consists of certain components:

posterior tibial artery;
two veins of the same name;
tibial nerve.

In the lower part of the leg, the artery gives off two branches: internal (medial) and external (lateral) plantar, which form two arterial arches. The tibial nerve gives its branches to various areas of the sole, also directing one to the lateral side of the rear of the foot (schematic image in the photo).

The complex structure of the human foot is accompanied by an equally intricate course of nerves.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the foot is necessary for a correct understanding of almost any pathology, one way or another, associated with this area of the lower limb.

The human ankle joint is the reference point of the skeletal skeleton of the lower limb. It is on this articulation of a person that the weight of the body falls while walking, playing sports, running. The foot, unlike the knee joint, holds loads by weight, and not by movement, this is reflected in the features of its anatomy. The structure of the ankle joint of the leg and other parts of the foot is of no small clinical importance.

Human foot anatomy

Before considering the structure of different sections of the foot, it must be said that in this section of the leg, muscle elements, ligamentous structures and bones organically interact.

In this case, the skeleton of the foot is divided into phalanges of the fingers, metatarsus and tarsus parts. The bones of the tarsus are connected at the ankle joint with the elements of the lower leg.

In the tarsus, one of the largest bones is the talus. On the top is a ledge called block. This element is connected from all sides to the tibia and fibula.

In the lateral elements of the articulation are bone outgrowths, which are called ankles. The outer is part of the fibula, and the inner is the tibia. Each joint surface of the bones has hyaline cartilage, which plays a shock-absorbing and nourishing role. . The articulation is:

According to the process of movement - biaxial.
The shape is blocky.
By structure - complex (more than 2 bones).

Bundles

Limitation of movements in the human joint, protection, retention of bone structures with each other are possible due to the presence of ligaments of the ankle joint of the leg. The description of these elements must begin with the fact that these structures in anatomy are divided into three groups. The first group includes fibers that connect the bones of the lower leg to each other:

The inferior posterior ligament is the part that prevents the internal rotation of the leg bones.
Interosseous ligament - the lower part of the membrane, which is stretched between the bones of the lower leg along its entire length.
The transverse ligament is a small fibrous part that provides fixation of the foot from turning inward.
Inferior anterior fibular ligament. The fibers of this part are directed from the outer ankle to the tibia and help keep the foot from turning outward.

In addition to the above functions of the fibers, they also provide fastening of the powerful tibia to the fragile fibula. The next group of human ligaments are outer side fibers:

Calcaneal fibula.
Posterior talus fibula.
Anterior talus fibula.

These ligaments originate at the external fibula and diverge in different directions towards the parts of the tarsus, therefore they are generalized by such a term as the "deltoid ligament". The function of these structures is to reinforce the outer edge of the given part.

The third group are lateral internal ligaments:

Tibial heel.
Tibial navicular.
Traram posterior tibial.
The talar anterior tibial.

Similar to the anatomy of the above fiber groups, these ligaments keep the tarsal bones from moving and start at the inner ankle.

muscles

Additional fastening elements, movement in the articulation are achieved with the help of muscle elements that surround the ankle joint of the leg. Any muscle has a specific fixation point on the foot and its purpose, but you can arrange the structures into groups according to the main function.

The muscles that are involved in flexion are plantar, tibialis posterior, long flexors of the thumb, triceps. The long extensor of the thumb and the anterior tibialis muscle are responsible for the extension function.

The third group is called pronators - these fibers rotate the ankle joint inward towards the middle part. These muscles are long and short peroneal. Their antagonists are the peroneal anterior muscle, the long extensor of the thumb.

Achilles tendon

The ankle in the posterior region is fixed by the largest Achilles tendon in the human body. The articulation is formed by combining the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in the lower part of the lower leg.

A powerful tendon stretched between the calcaneal tubercle and muscular bellies has an important function while driving.

An important clinical point is the likelihood of sprains and ruptures of this structure. At the same time, in order to restore function, the traumatologist is obliged to conduct complex treatment.

blood supply

Metabolic processes, restoration of elements after injury and stress, the work of muscles in the joint is possible due to the special anatomy of the blood supply that surrounds the joint. The structure of the arteries of the ankle joint is similar to the blood supply to the knee joint.

The posterior and anterior peroneal and tibial arteries branch out in the region of the inner and outer anklebones and capture the joint from all sides. Due to this device of the arterial network, the normal operation of this anatomical part occurs.

Venous blood departs from this part through internal and external networks, forming important connections: tibial and saphenous internal veins.

Other joints of the ankle

The ankle connects the bones of the foot to the lower leg, but small parts of the lower limb also connect to each other. connected by small joints:

Such a complex anatomy of the human foot helps it maintain a balance between support function and leg mobility, which is important for a person to walk straight.

Functions

The structure of the ankle is primarily aimed at achieving the mobility that is required when walking. Due to the coordinated work in the muscle joint, it is possible to perform movement in two planes. In the frontal plane, the ankle joint performs extension and flexion. In the vertical axis, rotation can occur: in a small volume, outward and inward.

In addition, due to the soft tissues of this area, which preserves the integrity of the bone structures, movements are damped.

Diagnostics

In the ankle joint, the legs can undergo various pathologies. To visualize the defect, to identify it, to correctly establish the diagnosis, there is different diagnostic methods:

ultrasound. To date, it is rarely used, because, unlike the knee joint, the cavity of the ankle joint is small. But this method is distinguished by the absence of a negative effect on the tissue, the speed of implementation, and the economy. It is possible to determine foreign bodies, swelling and accumulation of blood in the articular bag, to visualize the ligaments.
Athroscopy. A low-traumatic and minimally invasive procedure, including the introduction of a video camera into the capsule. The doctor will be able to look at the surface of the bag with his own eyes and identify the focus of the disease.
Radiography. The most affordable and cost-effective survey option. In different projections, images of the ankle joint are taken, where a tumor, dislocation, fracture and other processes can be detected.
MRI. This procedure is better than any other will determine the condition of the Achilles tendon, ligaments, articular cartilage. The method is quite expensive, but the most effective.
CT scan. This method is used to assess the state of the articular skeletal system. With arthrosis, neoplasms, fractures, this method is the most accurate in terms of diagnosis.

Instrumental methods are supplemented by the results of laboratory tests and medical examination, based on this information, the specialist determines the diagnosis.

Pathology of the articulation of the ankle joint

Alas, even a strong ankle is prone to injury and the appearance of diseases. The most common diseases of the ankle joint are:

Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis.
Achilles tendon ruptures.
Injuries.

How to identify the disease? What to do and which doctor to contact? It is necessary to understand all the listed diseases.

With this disease, due to a lack of calcium, traumatization, and frequent overstrain, dystrophy of cartilage structures and bones develops. Over time, outgrowths are formed on the bones - osteophytes, which violate the range of motion.

Disease manifested by mechanical pain. This means that the symptoms increase in the evening, decrease at rest, and increase after exercise. Stiffness in the morning is absent or short-term. There is a gradual decrease in the mobility of the ankle.

With these signs, you need to contact a therapist. With the development of complications, he will send for a consultation with another doctor.

Arthritis

Inflammatory processes of the articulation can occur during the development of rheumatoid arthritis or infection in the cavity. Also, the ankle can become inflamed with gout as a result of the deposition of uric acid salts.

The disease manifests itself pain in the joint in the morning and by the end of the night. When moving, the pain subsides. Symptoms are removed with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Nise, Ibuprofen), as well as after applying gels and ointments to the ankle joint. It is also possible to determine the pathology by the simultaneous damage to the joints of the hand and knee joint.

Rheumatologists deal with this disease, they recommend basic drugs to eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Each disease has its own drugs designed to stop the inflammatory process.

The most important thing to distinguish infectious arthritis from other causes. As a rule, it is manifested by severe symptoms with edematous syndrome and intense pain. Pus collects in the joint cavity. Often, hospitalization of the patient is necessary, bed rest is required, treatment is with antibiotics.

Injuries

During direct injury to the ankle at work, in an accident, in sports, various tissues of the joint can be damaged. Damage can cause a violation of the integrity of the tendons, rupture of ligaments, fracture of bones.

Common features are: edema, pain after injury, inability to step on the lower limb, decreased mobility.

After an ankle injury, it is necessary to ensure the rest of the limb, apply ice to this place, then consult a doctor. The traumatologist, after examination and research, will prescribe a set of treatment procedures.

Typically, therapy includes immobilization(immobilization of the joint), as well as the appointment of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes surgery may be required, it can be performed using arthroscopy or in the classical way.

Achilles tendon rupture

With a direct blow to the back of the ankle joint, with a fall on the leg, during sports loads, a rupture of the Achilles tendon can occur. In this case, a person cannot straighten the foot, stand on his toes. In the area of damage to the leg, blood accumulates, edema is formed. Joint movements are very painful.

In the end, I would like to note that the control of the leg muscles occurs due to the nervous system. If the joints and muscles are not loaded, they gradually atrophy, and when the joints work for a long time without rest, their fatigue inevitably comes. After rest, the joints of the legs come in tone, and their performance is restored. Therefore, doctors recommend more frequent breaks between hard physical work.