Basic foot anatomy, to understand the Barefoot

The feet are one of the most complex and essential structures of the human body. Not only do they support our weight on a daily basis, but they are also essential for mobility and balance. At BareMotion, we have created this article to explore and better understand the anatomy of the foot. In this way, we can understand how this wonderful structure helps us move, jump and stand.

What are the anatomical parts of the feet?

To understand the anatomy of the foot, it is essential to understand its parts. This limb is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, each playing a crucial role.

Bones

The 26 bones of the foot are divided into three sections:

• Tarsus: Contains seven bones, including the largest bones in the foot, such as the calcaneus (heel) and talus (ankle), which act as support and articulation points with the leg.
• Metatarsus: Formed by five metatarsal bones that connect the tarsal bones to the toes and provide the necessary platform for support of the arch of the foot.
• Phalanges: These are the bones of the toes. Each toe has three phalanges, except for the big toe, which has two.

Arches of the foot

• Longitudinal arch: Provides elasticity and shock absorption.
• Transverse arch: Helps with weight distribution.

Muscles

The muscles of the foot, although small, are powerful and essential for mobility and stability. They are classified into two groups:

• Intrinsic muscles: These are located entirely within the foot and help with fine, controlled movements. Their function is to maintain the balance and posture of the foot.
• Extrinsic muscles: These originate in the lower leg and attach to the bones of the foot. These muscles control movements such as flexion and extension of the foot, as well as providing strength and power for walking and running.

Ligaments and tendons

Ligaments are bands of tough tissue that connect bones to each other, providing stability to the joints in the foot. Tendons connect muscles to bones, allowing the foot to move and support the weight of the body.

Did you know that the foot contains numerous arteries and nerves?

Arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to muscles and tissues, while nerves send signals to the brain to regulate balance and movement. The skin of the foot is adapted to bear heavy weights, and nails protect the delicate tips of the toes, aiding in stability when walking.

Understanding the anatomy of the foot and knowing its muscles is not only fascinating, but also essential to take care of this vital part of our body. Wearing appropriate footwear like the one we offer at BareMotion is crucial to maintaining the health of our feet.

We invite you to explore our full range of footwear at BareMotion

If you are looking for barefoot shoes, do not hesitate to visit our online store to find the perfect shoes and receive personalized advice. Take care of your feet with the best barefoot shoes and feel the difference!