Human Anatomy — all lessons
Foundations of Anatomy
Anatomical terminology, planes, axes and movement directionsThe Skeletal System
Skeletal system: structure and functionsBone structure, remodelling and adaptation to loadingJoints and the Muscular System
Joint types and classificationJoint mechanics: arthrokinematics and stabilityThe muscular system: organisation and major muscle groupsMuscle architecture: pennation, length and cross-sectional areaMuscle fibre typesRegional Functional Anatomy
Spine and postureThe shoulder complexThe hip complexThe knee complexThe ankle and foot complexCore and pelvic stabilityElbow and wrist functional anatomyCervical and thoracic spine functional anatomyThe ankle and foot complex
Talocrural and subtalar joints, the arches of the foot, the calf and intrinsic foot muscles, and how ankle mobility and foot function influence squatting, running and balance.
Learning objectives
- Describe the talocrural, subtalar and midfoot joints and their main motions
- Explain the arches of the foot and the “foot core” concept
- Recognise why ankle sprains are common and often recur
- Assess and train ankle dorsiflexion and foot strength
Before this lesson
Why this matters
The ankle and foot are the body’s contact with the ground. They absorb and transmit force in every step, landing and squat, and ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sport [doherty2014].
Fundamental concepts
| Joint | Main motion |
|---|---|
| Talocrural (tibia/fibula on talus) | Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion |
| Subtalar (talus on calcaneus) | Inversion, eversion |
| Midfoot (transverse tarsal) | Adapts the foot between flexible and rigid |
| MTP joints | Toe extension in push-off |
Pronation and supination of the foot are triplanar combinations (e.g., pronation = eversion + dorsiflexion + abduction in weight-bearing terms) [neumann2017]. Pronation in early stance is normal shock absorption.
Arches — medial longitudinal, lateral longitudinal and transverse — are supported by bone shape, ligaments, the plantar fascia, and muscles (tibialis posterior, peroneals, intrinsics).
Muscles: gastrocnemius and soleus (plantarflexion via the Achilles tendon), tibialis anterior (dorsiflexion), tibialis posterior (inversion, arch support), peroneus longus and brevis (eversion), and the intrinsic foot muscles.
The foot core
McKeon and colleagues proposed viewing the foot like the trunk “core”: passive (bones, ligaments), active (intrinsic and extrinsic muscles) and neural (sensory feedback from the sole) subsystems working together [mckeon2015]. Strengthening intrinsic muscles (e.g., short-foot exercise, toe yoga, barefoot balance) is a reasonable part of foot training.
Ankle sprains
Inversion with plantarflexion most often injures the anterior talofibular ligament. Recurrence and persistent symptoms (chronic ankle instability) are common, and prior sprain is a strong risk factor for future sprain. Balance and neuromuscular training reduce recurrence.
Practical application
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Assessment and practical tools
Knee-to-wall test: in a lunge stance facing a wall, slide the foot back until the knee can just touch the wall with the heel down. Measure toe-to-wall distance (cm) or tibia angle. Compare sides; marked asymmetry is more informative than a single number.
Case study
A volleyball player has had three right ankle sprains. Knee-to-wall is 7 cm right vs 11 cm left, and single-leg balance is poor on the right. The plan combines dorsiflexion mobility, calf and peroneal strengthening, and progressive balance and landing drills, with the physiotherapist guiding return to full play.
Further learning: video lessons
Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.
Ankle and foot anatomy
Kenhub
You will understand: bones, joints and ligaments
Why: Labelled 3D anatomy.
Knee-to-wall dorsiflexion test
Physiotutors
You will understand: how to perform and interpret the test
Why: Step-by-step clinical demonstration.
Knowledge check
Knowledge check · 0/5
1. Inversion and eversion occur mainly at the…
2. The most commonly injured ankle ligament is the…
3. The soleus differs from gastrocnemius because it…
4. The knee-to-wall test measures…
5. The “foot core” concept emphasises…
Short-answer & application questions
- Explain why a heel lift can allow a more upright squat.
- Design a progression of balance exercises after a lateral ankle sprain.
- Why might a runner with limited dorsiflexion overload the knee or foot?
Key takeaways
- The talocrural joint is mainly a hinge for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion; the subtalar joint provides inversion and eversion.
- The medial longitudinal arch is supported by bones, ligaments, the plantar fascia and intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.
- Lateral ankle sprains are very common and recurrence is frequent; balance and strength training reduce re-injury risk.
- Limited dorsiflexion changes squat and landing mechanics and can be assessed with the knee-to-wall test.
Connected topics
The knee complex
Ankle
Running gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)
Injury prevention programmes
References
- Neumann DA (2017). Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation (3rd ed.). Elsevier. Textbook check pending
- Doherty C, Delahunt E, Caulfield B, et al. (2014). The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies. Sports Medicine, 44(1):123–140. doi:10.1007/s40279-013-0102-5 Meta-analysis check pending
- McKeon PO, Hertel J, Bramble D, Davis I (2015). The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(5):290. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092690 Narrative review check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.