The human foot consists of 26 bones. These bones fall into three groups: the tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. Show Image credit: Stephen Kelly, 2019 Tarsal bonesThe tarsal bones are a group of seven bones that make up the rear section of the foot. Tarsal bones include:
Metatarsal bonesThe metatarsal bones are a group of five tubular bones in the middle of the foot. They connect to the tarsal bones and the phalanges. The metatarsals sit in a row, and doctors number them one to five. The first one sits closest to the arch of the foot, and number five sits at the outer edge of the foot. PhalangesThe phalanges are the bones in the toes. The second to fifth toes each contain three phalanges. From the back of the foot to the front, doctors call them the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges. The big toe or hallux contains only two phalanges, which are proximal and distal. The metatarsal phalangeal joints are the joints between the metatarsals and the proximal phalanx of each toe. These joints form the ball of the foot. The first metatarsal phalangeal joint sits in line with the big toe. It is a common area for foot pain and other problems. Common conditions affecting the bones of the feet include: Big toe arthritisArthritis can affect many different bones within the feet, but most commonly causes problems with the joints at the base of the big toe. This type of arthritis is known as big toe arthritis. Doctors may refer to it as hallux limitus or hallux rigidus. Big toe arthritis occurs when cartilage in the joint of the big toe begins to wear away. This can happen as a result of many years of repetitive upward movement of the joint. Certain activities, such as prolonged running and walking, can increase a person’s risk of developing arthritis in this area. Symptoms of big toe arthritis include:
BunionsShare on PinterestBunions are a common complication affecting foot bones.A bunion is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot, near the base of the big toe. Bunions develop when the bone at the base of the toe — the first metatarsal — begins to separate from the bone at the base of the second toe — the second metatarsal. As the first metatarsal drifts outwards, it causes the big toe to drift toward the other toes. These processes cause the bunion to become more prominent. A person with a bunion may experience pain and discomfort at the site of the bunion or underneath the ball of the foot. These symptoms may worsen when walking or standing. People who develop bunions tend to compensate by carrying more weight on the second toe, which can cause calluses to develop. GoutGout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. Although it can affect almost any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe. Gout usually occurs due to a high concentration of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a chemical that usually dissolves in the blood and leaves the body through the urine. In people with gout, excess uric acid begins to accumulate and form crystals in the joints. Uric acid crystal deposits can trigger an extreme inflammatory reaction, which causes pain and swelling in the affected area. Hammer toesA hammer toe is a condition that usually affects toes other than the big toe. Instead of pointing straight out in front, these toes point downward, forming a claw shape. In most cases, the condition develops with age. It is usually the result of a muscle imbalance when the long muscles of the lower leg overpower the smaller muscles of the foot. This imbalance causes the toes to bend inward. A hammer toe may cause the following symptoms:
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitisHeel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone, or calcaneus. Although they may cause some discomfort, they are rarely painful. However, heel spurs often develop as a result of a condition called plantar fasciitis, which can cause pain. Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation and thickening of the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that supports the arch of the foot. The following factors can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis:
Plantar fasciitis can cause pain in the heel or bottom of the foot when standing or walking. People who develop heel spurs without plantar fasciitis are unlikely to experience painful symptoms. Heel spurs affect up to one in 10 people. Of these, only half will experience any pain. SesamoiditisSesamoiditis is inflammation of one or both sesamoid bones at the base of the big toe. The condition can cause significant pain in this area. Excessive and repetitive weight on the big toe is the primary cause of sesamoiditis. Factors that increase the risk of sesamoiditis include a sudden increase in activity levels or a change in footwear. People with sesamoiditis may experience the following symptoms:
Stress fractureStress fractures happen when an area of bone endures excessive and repetitive force. Certain repetitive activities, such as walking and running, can cause microscopic cracks, or microfractures, to develop in the bone. Ordinarily, the body can repair these microfractures. However, sometimes the body is unable to maintain the rate of repair required to keep up with the stress on the foot. When this happens, microfractures can develop into a stress fracture. Certain conditions, such as a lack of thyroid hormone or a deficiency in calcium or vitamin D, can also undermine the body’s ability to heal microfractures. Stress fractures commonly affect the following bones:
The main symptom of a stress fracture is aching pain in the affected area of the foot. Share on PinterestA person experiencing persistent pain or discomfort should speak to a doctor.According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a person may wish to see a doctor if they experience any of the following:
The anatomy of the foot is highly intricate, consisting of many bones, joints, and ligaments. Some health conditions, injuries, and general wear and tear can all cause or contribute to conditions affecting foot bones. People who experience persistent foot pain or notice changes in the appearance of their feet may wish to see a doctor. What are parts of foot called?The forefoot contains the five toes (phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals). The midfoot is a pyramid-like collection of bones that form the arches of the feet. These include the three cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone, and the navicular bone. The hindfoot forms the heel and ankle.
What does it mean when the top of your foot hurts?Common causes of pain in the top of the foot
Pain in the top of your foot is often caused by exercising, especially if it involves running, kicking or jumping. It may also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight and some conditions, like gout. Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing your pain.
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