ABSTRACT
The foot is a combination of bones-tarsals (7), metatarsals (15), phalanges (14), and sesamoids (2)—ligaments, and muscles and their tendons. It must be strong enough to support our body weight and propel us forward, yet exible enough to absorb the impact of running or jumping. While performing these varied functions, the foot can easily be traumatized or subjected to overuse. An injury to the foot may be disabling; however even when it is not, it predisposes other links in the kinetic chain to signicant injury (Table 52.1 and Figures 52.1 and 52.2).
