These components work together to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body.

PODIATRICS

Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle

The human foot combines mechanical complexity and structural strength. The ankle serves as foundation, shock absorber and propulsion engine. The foot can sustain enormous pressure (several tons over the course of a one-mile run) and provides flexibility and resiliency.

The foot and ankle contain:

  • 26 bones (One-quarter of the bones in the human body are in each foot and ankle);

  • 33 joints;

  • more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments (are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones and ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones.); and

  • a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue.