ABSTRACT
Foot and ankle disorders and deformities are one of the common subsets of conditions encountered in the outpatient clinic. Understanding the basic anatomy is pivotal in diagnosing various conditions that arise in and around the foot and ankle. The tarsal kinematics are unique, and the clinician needs to be well-versed to understand normal and altered biomechanics resulting from various pathologies. As is rightly said, examination starts by observing the child walking into the clinic, and gait evaluation offers insights about the pathology and the compensations adapted. Head-to-toe examination is very important as the etiology may be distant, like a spinal dysraphism. Evaluation of each joint complex is important as every joint in the foot and ankle has a different action and function. A systematic approach to the foot and ankle as well as individual joints, such as the ankle joint, subtalar joint, midfoot, and forefoot, are important. The chapter discusses a systematic approach to narrow down possible presentations and pathologies around the foot and ankle.
