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 The foot has to be both a mobile adaptor and a rigid propulsor. A mobile adapter when you are standing, to adapt its shape to the contour of the ground. A rigid propulsor as you push off when you walk, to transmit force to the ground.
The foot has 24 bones that form two arches. The arches are the primary structures of the body that absorb and return force to and from the body to the outside world when we are on our feet.At the top rear end of the foot is the talus, the bone that forms the foot part of the ankle joint. Below that is the calcaneus, the heel bone. In front of that are the other "tarsal" bones - the navicular, cuboid and three cuneiform bones. Attached in front of the tarsal bones are the five metatarsals that then join with the phalanges, the bones of the toes.
The bones are held together by the shape that they fit with each other and by ligaments. Further support is given by the muscles of the foot, and a tough, sinewy tissue known as the plantar fascia, The foot has internal muscles that start and end in the foot and external muscles that begin in the lower leg and attach in various places on the bones of the foot. There are also fat pads in the foot to help with weight-bearing and absorbing impact.
Injuries such as ligament sprains and muscle strains, andf ractures typically occur suddenly (acutely). Sprains, strains, bruises, andf ractures may be the result of a single or combination of stresses to the foot.A sprain of the foot or ankle occurs when ligaments that hold the bones together are overstretched and the fibres tear. The looseness or tightness of ligaments in the joints of the foot may be a factor in foot pain.The muscles. bursae and fascia of the foot can be strained by overstretching, overuse, overloading, bruising,
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel.
Injury to the bones and joints of the foot can be caused by a single blow or twist to the foot, or also by repetitive trauma that can result in a stress fracture. Repetitive trauma to the bones, muscles, and ligaments can result in extra bone growth known as spurs
Metatarsalgia is the irritation of the joints of the forefoot.An example of metatarsalgia is "turf toe" a common athletic injury in which the tendon under the joint at the base of the big toe is strained. .Micro-trauma injuries can be caused by running on uneven surfaces, surfaces that are too hard or too soft, or shoes that have poor force-absorptionq ualities or fit incorrectly. Repeated overstressing of the same structure oft he foot may cause stress fractures, tendonitis, plantar fassccitis and acute and chronic osteoarthrosis
The plantar fascia is a tough fibrous sheath that extends the length of the bottom of the foot andl helps support to the arch. When the plantar fascia is damaged, the resulting inflammatory response may become a source of arch pain.
Osteopaths treat patients with Achilles tendon strains, plantar fasciitis, metataralgia, foot muscle strains, ligament strains and problems with the joints between the tarsal bones. The osteopath looks not just at the foot but the rest of the lower limb and body.
See also: ankle joint; pronation; orthotics
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