Foot Anatomy: Medical Names for the Parts of the Foot

Names for the Different Parts of the Foot

The human foot is a complex structure containing 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. All the parts of the foot work together to provide balance, mobility and support for the entire body.

Knowing the names of the foot structures helps you understand how this intricate mechanism functions. It also allows you to accurately describe any foot problems to your doctor.

Lets explore the anatomy and medical terminology for the various parts of the foot.

Bones of the Foot

There are 26 bones in each foot that can be divided into 3 groups:

• Tarsals - 7 irregularly shaped bones that form the posterior half of the foot. These include the calcaneus (heel bone), talus, navicular, cuboid and cuneiform bones.
• Metatarsals - 5 long bones that make up the midfoot. These bones are numbered 1-5 starting with the first metatarsal bone on the inside of the foot.
• Phalanges - 14 toe bones consisting of the proximal, middle and distal phalanges of each toe.

Arches of the Foot

The foot contains arches that are formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones:

• Medial longitudinal arch - This arch runs along the inside of the foot from the calcaneus to the first metatarsal and big toe.
• Lateral longitudinal arch - Found on the outer side of the foot between the calcaneus and fifth metatarsal.
• Transverse arch - Formed by the cuboid and cuneiform bones across the midfoot.

These arches support your body weight and absorb impact as you walk.

Major Parts of the Foot

The overall anatomy of the foot can be divided into 3 major parts:

• Forefoot - Made up of the metatarsals and toes.
• Midfoot - Consists of the cuboid, navicular and 3 cuneiform bones.
• Hindfoot - Comprises the calcaneus and talus.

Regions of the Foot

More specific regions of the foot include:

• Ball of the foot - The padded portion under the heads of the metatarsal bones.
• Arch - The area between the ball and heel of the foot.
• Heel - Rear portion of the foot containing the calcaneus bone.
• Instep - Upper middle surface of the foot between the toes and ankle.

Toes

The 5 digits of the foot are commonly referred to as the:

• Big toe - Also known as the hallux, this toe contains 2 phalange bones.
• Second toe
• Third toe - The longest toe.
• Fourth toe
• Little toe - Also called the fifth digit, this smallest toe has 2 phalange bones.

Parts of the Toes

The parts of the toes include:

• Distal phalanx - Located at the tip of the toe.
• Middle phalanx - The middle toe bone.
• Proximal phalanx - Attaches the toe to the metatarsal bone.
• Interphalangeal joint (IP joint) - Joint between phalange bones.

Other Key Structures

Additional important foot components are:

• Plantar fascia - Dense tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch.
• Achilles tendon - Attaches the calf muscles to the calcaneus.
• Ligaments - Bands of tissue that connect bones, like the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament supporting the medial arch.
• Fat pads - Cushioning under the metatarsal heads and heel.
• Nerves - Sensory nerves like the medial/lateral plantar provide sensation.
• Blood vessels - Arteries and veins supply blood to the foot.
• Muscles - Like the flexor digitorum longus which curls the toes.
• Skin - The top layer of tissue covering the foot.

Common Foot Problems and Terminology

Knowing the medical names for different foot conditions can help you better understand and discuss your symptoms with a podiatrist. Here are some common foot problems and useful terminology:

Heel Spurs

A heel spur is an abnormal calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus). Heel spurs cause pain and inflammation where they attach to the plantar fascia.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation and microtears in the plantar fascia tissue along the bottom of the foot. This leads to stabbing heel pain with walking.

Bunions

A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. This bump forms due to misalignment that pushes the big toe inward toward the second toe.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes describe a deformity where the toe is bent upward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This is often seen in the second toe.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This digs into the skin and causes infection and swelling.

Gout

Gout results from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, including the feet. This causes redness, warmth and pain in the big toe or ankle.

Neuromas

A neuroma is an enlarged, swollen nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. This growth causes numbness, tingling and burning.

Corns and Calluses

Corns are small, hardened areas of thickened skin that develop on the tops or sides of toes. Calluses form on the bottoms of the feet in response to friction or pressure.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes scaling, flaking, itching and redness, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet.

Diabetic Ulcers

People with diabetes are prone to foot ulcers, which are open sores that form on the feet, often due to circulation issues and nerve damage (neuropathy).

Foot Examination Terminology

Podiatrists rely on medical terms to document their examination findings. Some important foot examination vocabulary includes:

• Dorsalis pedis pulse - Felt on the top of the foot to check blood flow.
• Babinski reflex - Stroking the sole of the foot to check nerve responses.
• Ischaemia - Poor perfusion and oxygenation of tissue due to inadequate blood flow.
• Claudication - Leg pain and cramping caused by ischaemia that occurs with walking.
• Neuropathic ulcer - Diabetic foot sore resulting from nerve damage.
• Gait analysis - Evaluating the manner of walking and weight placement.
• Necrosis - Death of foot tissue due to critical lack of blood supply.

Understanding this medical vocabulary makes it easier to discuss symptoms and assessment findings with your podiatrist.

Specialized Foot Care from a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. They receive extensive training related to all aspects of foot health.

Seeing a podiatrist is advisable if you have symptoms like:

• Chronic foot pain
• Swollen feet
• Numbness or burning in the feet
• Recurring infections
• Impaired circulation
• Skin conditions like corns, calluses or ulcers
• Foot injuries
• Difficulty walking or standing

Based on a full examination and using appropriate medical terminology, a podiatrist can determine the underlying cause of your foot complaint. They can provide customized treatment to relieve pain and improve foot function.

A podiatrist may utilize treatments like:

• Prescription orthotics
• Protective padding and taping
• Physical therapy
• Surgery for issues like bunions and neuromas
• Medications and injections
• Wound care

With proper medical care from a foot specialist, most foot problems can be managed effectively.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly if you experience:

• Intense or unrelenting foot pain
• Bleeding, pus or foul odor coming from the foot
• Extreme redness or swelling
• Difficulty walking comfortably
• Toenail fungus or ingrown toenails causing discomfort
• Abnormal sensation like numbness, tingling or burning

Foot problems rarely resolve on their own, so dont delay seeking medical attention. Even common issues like plantar fasciitis are best treated early to prevent complicating factors like chronic pain.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER immediately if you have:

• Sudden, severe injury like a broken bone, sprain or laceration
• Cold, painful, blue or pale feet indicating poor circulation
• Unrelenting throbbing pain
• Difficulty moving the foot or ankle

Such acute foot problems may require imaging, surgery or intravenous antibiotics to prevent complications like permanent damage or infection spreading through the bloodstream.

Preventing Foot Problems

You can reduce your risk of many common foot issues by taking these proactive steps:

• Wear properly fitted, supportive shoes
• Stretch and exercise your feet regularly
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Moisturize your feet to prevent cracking
• Avoid going barefoot in public areas
• Dont wear high heels for extended periods
• Replace shoes every 6-12 months or when worn
• Get periodic podiatry checkups

Paying attention to foot pain and seeking prompt podiatric treatment can prevent minor problems from becoming complex conditions requiring extensive therapy down the road.

The Takeaway

The intricate anatomy of the foot allows it to support the whole body while permitting flexibility and motion. Having labels for the foot bones, arches, muscles, blood vessels and nerves makes it easier to grasp this complex structure.

Familiarity with medical terminology also enables you to accurately describe foot symptoms to your podiatrist. With proper care from a foot specialist, most problems can be resolved before they cause lasting damage or disability.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.