Most of us learned the song, Dry Bones, in childhood to learn the bones of the body. The foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone, ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone… In case you weren’t privy to the song as a child or you forgot the lyrics we’ve attached a video for you refresh!
The song is catchy but it isn’t quite accurate. The foot does not consist of just one bone. The foot actually includes 26 bones! There are also 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The foot is a pretty impressive and complex structure.
Tarsal Bones of the Foot
The 26 bones of the human foot are grouped into three categories. The first group of bones are the Tarsal bones. The seven bones which comprise the Tarsal bones make up the rear section of the foot.
Tarsal bones include the talus or ankle bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, and the tarsals. The tarsals are the five bones which form the arch of the midfoot. The five tarsals are known as the medial, intermediate and lateral cuneiforms, the cuboid and the navicular.
Metatarsal Bones of the Foot
A group of five tubular bones tubular bones in the middle of the foot are called the metatarsals. They are connector bones, connecting the tarsal bones and the phalanges. The metatarsals are in a row and are numbered from one to five. Metatarsal one is is closest to the arch and metatarsal five is on the outer edge of the foot.
Phalanges of the Foot
The phalanges are the toe bones. There are three phalanges in the second to fifth toes. The big toe, also known as the hallux only has two phalanges. Those two phalanges are known as proximal and distal phalanges.
The phalanges in toes two through five are named from the back of the foot to the front of the foot. They are called proximal, middle and distal phalanges.
Bone Language
Prior to having a Charcot Foot diagnosis you may have never considered the bones of the foot. As you move forward with Charcot Foot treatment options you will find it is important to know the names of the foot bones and where they are located.
“Dislocation of metatarsals three, four and five.”
“Fractured tarsals with collapse of the arch.”
It is likely you will hear your physician or radiologist use terminology, like that above, in regards to your Charcot Foot. While it can still be overwhelming, it is helpful to learn the bones of the feet so you can better understand how Charcot Foot is impacting you.