How the foot and ankle works (mechanics of the foot)
This chapter examines the mechanics of the foot from the clinician’s perspective. The kinematics, kinetics, muscle balance, and stability of the foot and ankle are complex, as the foot has evolved to provide shock absorption, stability, propulsion, and accommodation. It does this by maintaining a stable, balanced structure in all positions of the foot. The mobility of the joints together with their stabilizing structures (the ligaments of the foot), and the complex balance between muscle tension and tendon position relative to the axis of rotation of the joints, are responsible for this function. As a consequence of this complex dynamic structure, the foot stores a significant amount of energy during ambulation, and its efficient use of this is a major reason for the ability of humans to travel long distances.