Arches of the foot

Question 1

Describe the arches of the foot

Answer 1

Comprised of two longitudinal arches and one anterior transverse arch. They are formed by tarsal and metatarsal bones and supported by ligaments and tendons in the foot

Acting like a spring they bear the weight of the body and absorb the shoch produced during locomotion

Question 2

Describe the medial arch of the foot

Answer 2

Higher of the two longitudinal arches it is formed by the calcaneus, talus, navicualar, three cuneiforms and first three metatarsal bones

Muscular support- tib ant and post, fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallicus, intrinsic foot muscles

Ligament support- plantar ligaments and medial ligament of the ankle joint

Question 3

Describe the lateral arch of the foot

Answer 3

Smaller of the two arches it is formed by the calcaneus, cuboid and 4th adn 5th metatarsals

Muscular support- fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus and the intrinsic foot muscles

Ligamentous support- plantar ligaments

Question 4

Describe the transverse arch

Answer 4

Located in the coronal plane, it is formed by the metatarsal bases, cuboid, and three cunieform bones

Muscular support: fibularis longus and tibialis posterior

Ligamentous support: plantar ligaments and deep transverse metatarsal ligaments

Question 5

What is pes cavus

Answer 5

Abnormal high arches leading to mroe stress being placed on the heels and consequently will lead to pain in foot and up the leg.

Question 6

What is pes planus

Answer 6

Flat feet, loss of the lonitudinal arches. Doesnt cause many symptoms but treatement generally involves supporting the foot