Arches of the foot

Infobox Anatomy
Name = PAGENAME
Latin = a. pedis
GraySubject = 101
GrayPage = 360


Caption = Skeleton of foot. Medial aspect.


Caption2 = Skeleton of foot. Lateral aspect.
System =
Precursor =
MeshName =
MeshNumber =
DorlandsPre = a_58
DorlandsSuf = 12150685
The arches of the foot are formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones, and strengthened by ligaments and tendons, allow the foot to support the weight of the body in the erect posture with the least weight.

The arches are categorized as:
* transverse arch of the foot
* longitudinal arch of the foot

Pathology

Insufficiently expressed arches are called low or fallen arches. The term flat feet applies to the arch which is sitting on the ground completely.

Medium arches are sometimes called "normal arches", but the name "normal arches" could be a misnomer, as nobody has really normal arches inside their actual feet.

Exaggerated arches, on the other hand, are the somewhat less common high arches, or "pes cavus", particularly if high arches cause trouble or problems. But contrary to popular studying, people with high arches don't always hurt around certain portions of the foot. And some high arches may be very flexible in the foot, though some can be inflexible. High arches may be beneficial whenever treated correctly and could perform as good as the medium arch if treated right and properly.

Arch styles

Contrary to popular belief the real definitions of "average" arches are rather poorly defined and not very clear. Some people have low arches without problems or health matters. Flat footed people may become affected with problems, but this isn't always the case. Many people are born with their feet having no arch or extremely low arches. High arches-contrary to popular belief-are sometimes beneficial. In fact, some people who have high arches have no significant health issues. But sometimes, high arches may lead to problems. Arch studies, however, sometimes suffer from substandard data and poorly defined information.fact|date=September 2008

ee also

* Foot type
* Pes cavus
* Flat feet

External links

* [http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_archpain_art.htm Diagram at umich.edu]
* [http://www.slackbooks.com/excerpts/34914/10-3.gifDiagram at slackbooks.com]
* [http://www.gla.ac.uk/ibls/fab/tutorial/anatomy/arch1.html Overview at gla.ac.uk]