Tåbein

Tåbein is a term used in several Scandinavian languages to refer to the bones of the toes. In human anatomy, the toes are formed by phalanges, which are arranged in different patterns among the five toes.

Each foot contains 14 phalanges: the hallux (big toe) has two phalanges—proximal and distal—while the other four toes have three phalanges each (proximal, middle, and distal). The phalanges connect to the five metatarsal bones at the metatarsophalangeal joints, and adjacent phalanges articulate at interphalangeal joints. The hallux has one interphalangeal joint, whereas the other toes have both proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.

The body of each phalanx is typically described as a shaft with a base and a head, allowing articulation with neighboring bones. The metatarsal bones form the midfoot and connect the toes to the tarsal bones of the ankle, enabling a range of movements important for balance, propulsion, and weight transfer during standing and locomotion.

Clinical relevance is primarily related to injuries of the toe bones. Phalangeal fractures are common after stubbing or direct trauma and can range from non-displaced to severely displaced. Treatment depends on the fracture pattern and may include immobilization, buddy taping, or surgical fixation in more complex cases. Chronic issues may include persistent pain, malalignment, or arthritis in the toe joints.

See also: foot anatomy, metatarsals, metatarsophalangeal joints, interphalangeal joints.