Forefoot
Forefoot
The Forefoot (/ˈfɔːrfʊt/), derived from the Old English fore (in front of) and fot (foot), is the anterior part of the foot that includes the metatarsals and the phalanges.
Anatomy
The forefoot is made up of five toes and the corresponding five proximal long bones forming the metatarsus. Similar to the fingers of the hand, the bones of the foot are also known as phalanges. However, the phalanges in the foot differ from the hand because they are often shorter and less mobile.
Function
The forefoot plays a crucial role in balance, propulsion, and weight distribution. It is responsible for absorbing half of the body's weight and balances pressure on the foot during walking and running. The forefoot also aids in the body's propulsion, allowing for the necessary push-off during the gait cycle.
Related Terms
- Metatarsals: The long bones in the foot that connect the ankle to the toes.
- Phalanges: The bones of the toes.
- Midfoot: The part of the foot between the forefoot and the hindfoot.
- Hindfoot: The posterior part of the foot, including the heel and ankle.
Pathology
Forefoot pain, also known as metatarsalgia, is a common condition that affects the balls of the feet. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, injury, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Forefoot
- Wikipedia's article - Forefoot
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski