Foot

The foot is the terminal segment of the lower limb that bears weight, provides balance, and enables forward propulsion during walking, running, and standing. It comprises bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and overlying skin, all arranged to support varied surfaces and loads.

The skeleton has 26 bones organized into hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. The hindfoot consists of the talus and calcaneus; the midfoot includes the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiforms; the forefoot comprises five metatarsals and fourteen phalanges. The arches—medial and lateral longitudinal arches and the transverse arch—are supported by ligaments and the plantar fascia to absorb shocks and distribute weight. Major joints include the ankle (tibiotalar), subtalar, tarsometatarsal, metatarsophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints.

The foot is moved by intrinsic muscles in the sole and by extrinsic muscles in the leg, with tendons such as the Achilles linking the calf to the heel. The tibial nerve provides motor and sensory supply; its branches—the medial and lateral plantar nerves—innervate the sole. Blood is supplied primarily by the posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis arteries, while the skin and fat pads cushion and protect tissues.

Common conditions include bunions (hallux valgus), plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinopathy, as well as ankle sprains. Proper footwear, orthotics, and, when needed, medical treatment address abnormalities in arch height, alignment, or soft-tissue injury. The foot’s structure reflects adaptation for bipedal gait and variable terrains.