A. Michael Marasco DPM. FACFAS, CHCQM
Physician/Consultant
Medicine and Surgery of the Foot and Ankle
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219.629.4495
Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle
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The human foot contains 26 bones,over one quarter of all the bones of the human body. A biomechanical wonder of balance, movement and structural strength. The foot can sustain enormous pressure (several tons over the course of a one-mile run) and provides flexibility and stability, shock absorption and propulsion for the human body with
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33 joints
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19 muscles and 57 ligaments
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and a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue.
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The ankle joint is formed by the connection of three bones. The top of the ankle bone or talus fits inside a socket that is formed by the lower end of the tibia (shinbone) and the fibula (the small bone of the lower leg). The bottom of the talus sits on the heelbone, called the calcaneus.
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Ligaments and Tendons
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Ligaments are the soft tissues that attach bones to bones. Ligaments are very similar to tendons. The difference is that tendons attach muscles to bones. Ligaments and tendons come in many different sizes and like rope, are made up of many smaller fibers.
Strong foot and ankle bones support your body for good posture and protect you from injuries.
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