Foot & Ankle Anatomy Images and Diagrams

In the images below, medial, lateral, anterior and posterior views are shown. In the medial view of the foot, the posterior tibial tendon insertion is shown. This is a common area of pain in posterior tibial tendonitis. The area of the plantar fascia insertion is the most common area of pain in plantar fasciitis. The area labeled as the Achilles tendon is a common area of pain in Achilles tendonitis. In the second image and third images, the extensor digitorum tendons are labeled.

The peroneal brevis tendon insertion is labeled in the second image and this is a common area of pain in peroneal tendonitis. Avulsion fractures of the base of the 5th metatarsal will have pain in this area. In the anterior view of the foot, the common area of nerve impingement is labeled. The great toe is also labeled. The most common problem at the great toe is a bunion. Osteoarthritis is also common at the great toe joint, also known as the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint. The last image shows the posterior view of the foot and the Achilles tendon. The two areas labeled are the common areas of pain in Achilles tendonitis.


Medial	Lateral	Anterior	Posterior

Bones in the Foot

A labeled diagram of the bones in the foot is shown on the right. This view is from the top of the foot, a dorsal view. Ligaments attaching to the bones are also shown, but not labeled in this diagram.

A. distal phalanx of the hallux
B. proximal phalanx of the hallux
C. distal phalanges
D. intermediate phalanges
E. proximal phalanges
F. 1st metatarsal
G. lesser metatarsals
H. medial cuneiform
I. intermediate cuneiform
J. lateral cuneiform
K. styloid process
L. cuboid
M.navicular
N. talus
O. calcaneus

A labeled diagram of the bones in the foot is shown on the left. This view is from the bottom of the foot, a plantar view. Ligaments attaching to the bones are also shown, but not labeled in this diagram.

Description of the foot bones Description of the bones in the foot

Phalanges: The bones in the toes are called phalanges.

Metatarsals: The bones in the middle of the foot are called metatarsal bones.

Cuneiforms: There are three bones in the middle of the foot, towards the center of the body called cuneiforms.

Cuboid: The bone sitting adjacent to the cuneiforms on the outside of the foot is called the cuboid.

Navicular: This bone sits behind the cuneiforms.

Talus: Also called the ankle bone, the talus sits directly behind the navicular.

Calcaneus: Also called the heel bone, the calcaneus sits under the talus and behind the cuboid.

More Foot Anatomy Information, Images and Diagrams

Tendons and Ligaments: information on foot and ankle tendons and ligaments including the extensor tendons, the flexor tendons and the ligaments of the ankle.

Great Toe Joint: diagrams of the structures of the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint, known as the big toe joint or the great toe joint.

Toenail Anatomy: Diagrams, illustrations and descriptions of the toenail.

Biomechanics: information on foot function and the mechanics of the foot. Definitions for dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion, supination and pronation.

Terminology/medical dictionary: definitions of medical terms and structures relating to the foot and ankle.

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last updated 7/28/11

Copyright: Most of the images on this page are copyright Primal Pictures and are not the property of Northcoast Footcare, Inc.

Disclaimer: The advice on this website is not intended to substitute for a visit to your health care provider. We will not be held liable for any diagnosis made or treatment recommended. Consult your doctor if you feel you have a medical problem

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