The Foot

Biomechanics and
Range of Motion

Arches of the Foot

Function of Arches
Facilitate energy
transfer
Absorb shock in
early stance
Become rigid in late
stance

Distribute weight
among appropriate
structures

Arches of the Foot

Medial Longitudinal Arch

Comprises medial column of foot

Talus (and calcaneus)

Navicular
Cuneiforms
Rays 1-3

Lateral Longitudinal Arch

Comprises lateral column of foot
Calcaneus
Cuboid
Rays 4-5

Transverse Arch
Intersects other arches
Tarsometatarsal joints

Medial Longitudinal Arch

Supporting Ligaments

Plantar Calcaneonavicular (Spring) l.

Long Plantar l.
Deltoid l.
Plantar fascia

Supporting Muscles
Intrinsic
Abductor Hallucis
Flexor Hallucis Brevis

Extrinsic
Tibialis Posterior
Flexor Hallucis Longus
Flexor Digitorum Longus

Lateral Longitudinal Arch

Supporting Ligaments
Long plantar l.
Short plantar l.

Supporting Muscles
Intrinsic
Abductor Digiti Minimi
Flexor Digitorum Brevis

Extrinisic
Peroneus longus and brevis
Peroneus Tertius

Transverse Arch
Supporting Ligaments
Tarsometatarsal l.
Intermetatarsal l.
Plantar Fascia

Supporting Muscles
Intrinsic
Almost all plantar muscles

Extrinsic
Fibularis longus
Tibialis posterior

Foot ROM
Talocrural Joint (talus, tibia, fibula)
Dorsiflexion/planarflexion
Anatomical range D: 20 P:50-60
Functional range D: 10 P: 20

Subtalar Joint (talus, calcaneus)

Eversion/inversion
Anatomical range I: 20 E: 10
Functional range 4-6 total
2:1 ration inver/ever

Talonavicular Joint
10Total ROM

Calcaneocuboid Joint
4Total ROM

All other midfoot joints have minimal ROM

Foot ROM
MTP Joint
Hallux
Anatomical range
Flexion: 0 to 40
Extension: 0 to 90
Abduction: 0 to 10

Functional Range
Extension: 40

Lesser Toes
Anatomical range
Flexion: 0 to 40
Extension: 0 to 50

IP Joints
Hallux
Flexion: 0 to 90

Lesser Toes
Flexion: 0 to 35
(PIP and DIP)
Extension: : 0 to
60 (DIP)

Compensatory Alignment
Forefoot Varus (open chain)
Closed chain ankle valgus
Pes planus foot

Forefoot Valgus (open chain)

Closed chain ankle varus
Pes cavus foot

Pressure Distribution
Standing Weight Distribution
50% on each foot
50% Hindfoot
Calcaneus

50% Forefoot
Hallux 2X
Lesser toes X

120 Lb Person
60 lbs on each foot
30 lbs on hindfoot
30 lbs on forefoot
Hallux 10#
Lesser toes 5# each

Pressure Distribution
Walking: Center of Pressure
Initial contact
Peak forces at center of heel

Loading Response and

Midstance
Peak forces at lateral midfoot

Terminal Stance
Peak forces on metatarsal heads
2&3

Preswing
Peak forces on hallux and digit 2

Pressure Distribution
Effect of Footwear
Alter amplitude of peak forces
Alter location of peak forces