Anatomy of the foot:
Structure, function, and biomechanics
the complete guide
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- By New Equilibre
The human foot is a complex anatomical structure. composed of 26 bones, around 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It forms the basis of support and plays a fundamental role in balance, movement, and shock absorption. Understanding the anatomy of the foot makes it easier to identify the source of foot pain and offer appropriate solutions, such as our New Equilibre orthopedic insoles, designed to support and rebalance the structure of the foot.
Foot skeleton
The foot is divided into three main anatomical parts:
The hindfoot
- Talus (or Astragalus): It articulates with the tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint (talocrural joint).
- Calcaneus (or Calcaneum): From the heel, the largest bone of the foot, it supports the body's weight and receives the insertions of the Achilles tendon.
The midfoot
- Navicular (or scaphoid)
- Cuboid
- Three cuneiforms (medial, intermediate, lateral)
These bones form the arch of the foot and play a role in shock absorption and propulsion.
The forefoot
- Metatarsals (5 long axles)
- Phalanges (14 bones): Each toe has 3 (proximal, middle, distal), except for the big toe (hallux), which has 2.
Joints and mobility
The foot contains about thirty joints, the main ones being:
- Subtalar joint: between the talus and calcaneus, allows for inversion and eversion movements.
- Chopard's Articulation complex articulation located between the hindfoot and the midfoot. It unites two bones of the hindfoot (the talus and calcaneus) with two bones of the midfoot (the navicular and cuboid). It allows for pronation/supination movements, contributes to the mobility of the plantar arch, and acts as a dynamic shock absorber during walking and running. It can be «locked» by certain movements (supination), strengthening the rigidity of the foot during the propulsive phase.
- Tarsometatarsal Joints (Lisfranc's Joints): ensure arch flexibility.
- Metatarsophalangeal joints important for the progression of the stride and propulsion during walking. When these joints collapse or cause pain, we speak of metatarsalgias.
Ligaments and stability
Among the many ligaments of the foot, some ensure joint stability and maintain the arch of the foot:
- Plantar calcaneonavicular ligament (or «spring ligament») medial longitudinal arch.
- Plantar fasciitis a tense fibrous structure extending from the calcaneus to the toes, essential in plantar fasciitis. When the aponeurosis is inflamed, it is called’Plantar fasciitis.
Muscles and tendons
The muscles of the foot are divided into intrinsic muscles (entirely within the foot) and extrinsic muscles (originating in the leg).
Main muscles and tendons:
- Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the calcaneus. When it is inflamed, we speak of Achilles tendinitis.
- Toe flexor muscles ensure propulsion during walking.
- Posterior tibialis supports the arch of the foot.
- Anterior tibialis: Raise your foot (dorsiflexion).
Vascularization and innervation
Foot arches
The human foot has three arches:
- Medial arch the highest, the most biomechanically important.
- Outer arch plus plate, stabilizer.
- Anterior arch passes through the metatarsal heads.
These arches allow for shock absorption, pressure redistribution, and foot propulsion during walking or running.
Foot biomechanics
The foot undergoes forces equivalent to several times the body's weight with each step. It functions according to a biomechanical triptych:
- Tardigrade phase Heel support
- Digitigrade Midfoot stabilization
- Digitigrade phase Forefoot propulsion
An imbalance in one of these phases can lead to:
- Pain (plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgias, Talalgias…),
- Chronic pathologies (Hallux valgus, calcaneal spur…),
- Postural problems (knees, hips, lower back...).
Everyday comfort
- 100% Made in France, designed by our orthotists
- Musculoskeletal system relieved
- Optimized support
- Rebalanced posture
Link between foot anatomy and pathologies
Understanding anatomical structures allows for the identification of the origin of many pathologies. Thus, we were able to design New Equilibre insoles. Made in France, our orthopedic insoles are based on our over 35 years of expertise in orthopedic practice. We offer specific models for the most common pathologies to relieve and prevent pain:
Relieve imbalances: New Equilibre insoles
Our insoles rebalance foot biomechanics, relieve pain, and promote a more natural posture. Each model is designed with materials specific to your activity. For everyday use and for sports.
Optimize your comfort and athletic performance with New Equilibre insoles! Every sport has its insoles for optimal effectiveness. Fast delivery, available in 24h, 48h, or 72h.
New Equilibre
Healthcare professionals specializing in the design and manufacture of orthopedic insoles for over 35 years. Experts in lower limb care, our orthopedists design New Equilibre insoles in our laboratories in the south of France. Every year, thousands of users and patients in clinics place their trust in New Equilibre's expertise.
