Foot Arches

As a means of supporting the weight of the body, for shock absorption and propulsion, and adapting to uneven surfaces and other functions, the bottom of the foot is constructed of a series of arches. Muscles are the key factor in supporting these arches, and maintaining them is vital for normal foot function. Interfering with the normal function of the arches, most often by disturbing the natural action of the muscles that support them, is a common cause of injury and chronic foot problems.

The medial arch is one of the two large arches, and is the one familiar to most people. It runs along the inner aspect of the bottom of the foot. A side view (in above drawing) of the bones of the foot (without supporting muscles) clearly shows the magnitude of the medial arch. This arch is maintained by the action of the muscles, especially the tibialis posterior.

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The lateral longitudinal arch is the second largest arch and runs along the outside of the bottom of the foot. The transverse or metatarsal arches are in the mid-foot across the ball of the foot and the short longitudinal arches are in the hind-foot. The peroneus longus and brevis, and plantar muscles on the bottom of the foot, support these arches.