What are the main arches of the foot and their functions?

The foot has two main types of arches: longitudinal arches (medial and lateral) and transverse arches (anterior and posterior). The medial longitudinal arch is higher and aids in propulsion, while the lateral is lower and supports weight bearing. The transverse arches help distribute pressure across the foot.

How is the medial longitudinal arch formed and maintained?

It is formed by bones including the calcaneus, talus (keystone), navicular, cuneiforms, and medial metatarsals. Maintenance involves bones like the sustentaculum tali, ligaments such as the spring ligament, muscles like tibialis posterior, and tie beams including the plantar aponeurosis.

What is the difference between the anterior and posterior transverse arches?

The anterior transverse arch is formed by the heads of the metatarsals and is a complete arch during standing. The posterior transverse arch is formed by the bases of metatarsals and tarsals; it is incomplete in one foot and completed when both feet are together.

What causes flat foot (pes planus) and what are its effects?

Flat foot is caused by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, often due to overstretching of the spring ligament. Effects include a shuffling gait and potential nerve compression leading to metatarsalgia.

How does the foot distribute weight during standing?

During standing, body weight is distributed to three key points: the heel (calcaneus), the head of the 1st metatarsal, and the head of the 5th metatarsal. This distribution helps balance and support.

What are common foot deformities related to the arches?

Common deformities include flat foot (pes planus), high arch (pes cavus), talipes (clubfoot) such as equinovarus, hallux valgus, and hammer toe.

Which muscles are important for maintaining the lateral longitudinal arch?

Key muscles for the lateral longitudinal arch include the peroneus longus (acts as a sling), flexor digiti minimi, and the plantar aponeurosis. These work with ligaments like the long and short plantar ligaments to provide stability.

Foot Arches – Medial, Lateral & Transverse

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