Stopy

Stopy is the Polish plural noun meaning feet, the pair of limbs at the end of the legs used for standing and moving. The singular form is stopa. In Polish, stopy are referenced in medical, athletic, and everyday contexts, and the term is widely used to describe both human feet and, in some phrases, animal feet.

Anatomically, a foot comprises bones, joints, and soft tissues that support body weight and enable locomotion. The hindfoot includes the talus and calcaneus, the midfoot comprises the navicular, cuboid, and the three cuneiform bones, and the forefoot contains the metatarsals and phalanges. The arches of the foot—longitudinal and transverse—distribute weight and absorb shock, aided by tendons, ligaments, and the plantar fascia.

Common conditions affecting stopy include sprains, plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, and stress fractures. Treatments range from rest and physical therapy to orthotic devices, proper footwear, and, in some cases, surgery. Proper foot care emphasizes hygiene, monitoring for numbness or color changes, and seeking medical advice for persistent pain or deformity.

Etymology and usage notes: the term stopy derives from Proto-Slavic roots and is cognate with related words in other Slavic languages for “foot.” In Polish grammar, stopy is feminine plural; stopa is the singular. In English-language writing, the term is typically translated as “feet.”

See also: Stopa, Feet.