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The foot

The foot

The foot is a complex system of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. It carries our entire body weight and allows us to stand, walk, run and jump. The arches of the foot provide stability and cushioning, while the toes are responsible for balance and for pushing off as we walk. Healthy foot function is essential to our mobility and quality of life.

The foot – function & biomechanics

The foundation of our musculoskeletal system

Function of the foot

The foot allows:

  • Stability when standing (weight distribution)
  • Locomotion (walking, running, jumping)
  • Cushioning of impact (spring action)
  • Balance and equilibrium
  • Adaptation to uneven ground

These functions are essential for normal movement and quality of life.

Biomechanics of the foot

Arches of the foot:

  • Longitudinal arch: cushioning and stability
  • Transverse arch: weight distribution
  • The muscles hold the arches up

Gait cycle:

A rolling motion from the heel across the midfoot to the toes.

Load:

Carries the entire body weight and has to absorb impact.

Stability:

Ligaments and muscles provide joint stability and balance.

Health & prevention

The foot is susceptible to:

  • Deformities (hallux valgus, hammer toes)
  • Heel spurs
  • Morton’s neuralgia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tendon inflammation

Prevention:

  • Good, well-fitting footwear
  • Strengthening the foot muscles
  • Walking barefoot on natural ground
  • Avoiding overloading

In summary

The foot is a complex system and essential to our mobility and quality of life. Keeping it healthy in the long term depends on good footwear, targeted training and treating symptoms early.

The team at Sportklinik Freiburg will be glad to help you with this.

Common conditions of the foot

Foot pain can have many causes – from deformities through to overuse damage. The most common conditions include:

Illustration of Hallux valgus
Conditions
Hallux valgus
A painful deformity of the big toe with a prominent bunion – often related to tight shoes or a genetic predisposition.
Illustration of Hallux rigidus
Conditions
Hallux rigidus
Hallux rigidus is osteoarthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe, in which the toe becomes progressively less mobile and can cause pain and stiffness.
Illustration of Heel spur
Conditions
Heel spur
A heel spur is a bony outgrowth on the heel caused by overloading of the plantar fascia, and it can be very painful.
Illustration of Hammer toe
Conditions
Hammer toe
A hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toe in which the middle joint of the toe (the PIP joint) is permanently bent.
Illustration of Morton’s neuralgia
Conditions
Morton’s neuralgia
Morton’s neuralgia is a painful irritation of a nerve in the forefoot, usually between the third and fourth toes.
Illustration of Tailor’s bunion
Conditions
Tailor’s bunion
A tailor’s bunion is a painful swelling at the fifth metatarsal bone, similar to hallux valgus but on the outer side of the foot.
Illustration of Flatfoot with hindfoot valgus
Conditions
Flatfoot with hindfoot valgus
The heel tips outwards and the long arch sinks – as long as the foot stays mobile, small measures achieve a great deal.
Illustration of Osteoarthritis of the ankle and hindfoot
Conditions
Osteoarthritis of the ankle and hindfoot
Worn cartilage in the ankle or hindfoot – often a malalignment lies behind it.
Illustration of Diabetic foot
Conditions
Diabetic foot
In diabetic foot syndrome, damaged nerves take away the foot’s protective sensation – pressure points and wounds go unnoticed and heal less well.

Our foot specialists

Experienced consultants caring for your foot health

Dr. med. Friedrich Quarck

Dr. med. Friedrich Quarck

Consultant in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery

Prof. Dr. med. Alexander Mehlhorn

Prof. Dr. med. Alexander Mehlhorn

Consultant in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, specialist in foot and ankle surgery