Foot & Ankle – Patient Education at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists
At Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists, we are committed to empowering our patients through comprehensive education, enabling them to make informed decisions about their orthopaedic health. Recognizing the intricate structure and essential functions of the foot and ankle, we provide an extensive patient education video library featuring over 250 detailed videos covering various conditions and treatments related to these critical components of mobility.
Understanding Foot and Ankle Anatomy
The foot and ankle comprise a complex network of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work in unison to support movement and balance. The foot alone contains 26 bones and 33 joints, divided into three sections:
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Hindfoot: Includes the talus (ankle bone) and calcaneus (heel bone), connecting the foot to the leg and facilitating movements such as walking and jumping.
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Midfoot: Consists of five tarsal bones forming the arch of the foot, acting as a shock absorber during activities.
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Forefoot: Comprises the metatarsals and phalanges (toe bones), playing a crucial role in balance and propulsion.
The ankle joint, formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus, allows for up-and-down movement of the foot. Ligaments provide stability by connecting bones, while tendons attach muscles to bones, enabling motion. The largest tendon, the Achilles tendon, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, facilitating activities like walking, running, and jumping.
