Fußes

Fußes is not the standard modern German plural of Fuß; the correct modern plural is Füße. The form Fußes may be encountered as a historical spelling, a typographical variant, or in compound formations, but in contemporary usage it should be avoided when referring to the feet of people or animals. In German orthography, nouns like Fuß change their stem with umlaut in the plural (Füße).

Anatomically, the human foot is the terminal segment of the leg that bears weight, provides balance, and enables locomotion. It consists of 26 bones: eight tarsal bones (including the calcaneus, the heel bone, and the talus, which forms the ankle joint), five metatarsals, and fourteen phalanges. The bones form three arches—the medial and lateral longitudinal arches and the transverse arch—that distribute loads during standing and movement.

Soft tissues include ligaments, the plantar fascia, muscles, tendons, nerves, and vessels. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, while the plantar fascia runs along the sole to help support the arches. Intrinsic foot muscles lie within the sole and, together with extrinsic muscles from the lower leg, control toe movements and stabilize the foot during gait.

Functionally, the foot transfers body weight from the leg to the ground, absorbs shock, and propels the body forward. Proper alignment and flexible yet strong arches contribute to efficient gait and balance. Sensory receptors in the sole provide feedback about ground conditions, enabling adjustments in posture and step.

Foot health hinges on appropriate footwear, regular inspection, and addressing problems such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet (pes planus), bunions (hallux valgus), and ingrown toenails. From an evolutionary perspective, the foot adapted for upright walking, with arches that store and release energy to aid locomotion.