Dorsal muscles of the foot. Foot muscles


The foot, like the hand, in addition to the tendons belonging to the long muscles descending onto it from the lower leg, has its own short muscles; These muscles are divided into dorsal (dorsal) and plantar.

Dorsal muscles of the foot. M. extensor digitorum brevis, short extensor of the fingers, located on the back of the foot under the tendons of the long extensor and originates on the calcaneus before entering the sinus tarsi.

Heading forward, it is divided into four thin tendons to the I-IV fingers, which join the lateral edge of the tendons m. extensor digitorum longus and m. extensor hallucis longus and together with them form the dorsal tendon sprain of the fingers. The medial abdomen, which goes obliquely along with its tendon to the thumb, also has a separate name m. extensor hallucis brevis.

Function. Makes the extension of the I-IV fingers along with their easy abduction to the lateral side. (Inn. L4-S1, N. peroneus profundus.)


Plantar muscles of the foot. They form three groups: medial (muscles of the thumb), lateral (muscles of the little finger) and middle, lying in the middle of the sole.

a) Muscles of the medial group three:

1. M. abductor hallucis, a muscle that abducts the big toe, is located most superficially on the medial edge of the sole; originates from the processus medialis of the calcaneal tubercle, retinaculum mm. flexdrum and tiberositas ossis navicularis; attaches to the medial sesamoid bone and the base of the proximal phalanx. (Inn. L5-S2 N. plantaris med.).

2. M. flexor hallucis brevis, short flexor of the big toe, adjacent to the lateral edge of the previous muscle, begins on the medial sphenoid bone and on the lig. calcaneocuboideum plantare. Going straight ahead, the muscle is divided into two heads, between which the tendon m passes. flexor hallucis longus.

Both heads are attached to the sesamoid bones in the region of the first metatarsophalangeal articulation and to the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. (Inn. 5i_n. Nn. plantares medialis et lateralis.)

3. M. adductor hallucis, the muscle that leads the big toe, lies deep and consists of two heads. One of them (oblique head, caput obliquum) originates from the cuboid bone and lig. plantare longum, as well as from the lateral sphenoid and from the bases of the II-IV metatarsal bones, then goes obliquely forward and somewhat medially.

The other head (transverse, caput transversum) originates from the articular bags of the II-V metatarsophalangeal joints and plantar ligaments; it runs transversely to the length of the foot and, together with the oblique head, is attached to the lateral sesamoid bone of the thumb. (Inn. S1-2. N. plantaris lateralis.)

Function. The muscles of the medial group of the sole, in addition to the actions indicated in the names, are involved in strengthening the arch of the foot on its medial side.



b) The muscles of the lateral group are among the two:

1. M. abductor digiti minimi, muscle that abducts the little toe of the foot, lies along the lateral edge of the sole, more superficial than other muscles. It originates from the calcaneus and inserts at the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.

2. M. flexor digiti minimi brevis, short flexor of the little toe of the foot, starts from the base of the fifth metatarsal bone and is attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.

Function muscles of the lateral group of the sole in the sense of the impact of each of them on the little finger is insignificant. Their main role is to strengthen the lateral edge of the arch of the foot. (Inn. of all three muscles 5i_n. N. plantaris lateralis.)


in) Muscles of the middle group:

1. M. flexor digitorum brevis, short finger flexor, lies superficially under the plantar aponeurosis. It starts from the calcaneal tuber and is divided into four flat tendons, attached to the middle phalanges of the II-V fingers.

Before their attachment, the tendons are each split into two legs, between which the tendons m pass. flexor digitorum longus. The muscle fastens the arch of the foot in the longitudinal direction and flexes the toes (II-V). (Inn. L5-S2. N. plantaris medialis.)


2. M. quadrdtus plantae (m. flexor accessorius), square muscle of the sole, lies under the previous muscle, starts from the calcaneus and then joins the lateral edge of the tendon m. flexor digitorum longus. This bundle regulates the action of the long flexor of the fingers, giving its thrust a direct direction in relation to the fingers. (Inn. 51-2, N. plantaris lateralis.)


3. mm. lumbricales, worm-like muscles, number four. As on the hand, they depart from the four tendons of the long flexor of the fingers and are attached to the medial edge of the proximal phalanx of the II-V fingers. They can flex the proximal phalanges; their extensor action on other phalanges is very weak or completely absent.

They can still pull four other fingers towards the thumb. (Inn. L5-S2. Nn. plantares lateralis et medialis.)

4. mm. interossei, interosseous muscles, lie most deeply on the side of the sole, corresponding to the spaces between the metatarsal bones. Dividing, like the similar muscles of the hand, into two groups - three plantar, mm. interossei plantares, and four rear ones, mm. interossei dorsdles, at the same time they differ in their location.

In the hand, in connection with its grasping function, they are grouped around the third finger; in the foot, in connection with its supporting role, they are grouped around the second finger, i.e., in relation to the second metatarsal bone. Functions: adduct and spread fingers, but in a very limited size. (Inn. 5i_n. N. plantaris lateralis.)




Muscles of the back of the foot: 1. Short extensor muscle of the fingers, m. extensor digitorum brevis.
2. Short extensor muscle of the thumb, m. extensor hallucis brevis.
3. Dorsal interosseous muscles, m. interossei dorsales.
Muscles of the sole. Muscles of the big toe: 1. Abductor muscle of the thumb, m. abductor hallucis.
2. Short flexor muscle of the thumb, m. flexor hallucis brevis.
3. Drive muscle of the thumb, m. adductor hallucis.
Muscles of the little toe: 1. Abductor muscle of the little finger, m. abductor digiti minimi.
2. Short flexor muscle of the little finger, m. flexor digiti minimi brevis.
3. Opposite muscle of the little finger, m. opponens digiti minimi.
Middle muscles of the foot: 1. Short flexor muscle of the fingers, m. flexor digitorum brevis.
2. Square muscle of the sole, m. quadratus plante.
3. Vermicular muscles, mm. lumbricales.
4. Dorsal interosseous muscles, mm. interossei dorsales.
5. Plantar interosseous muscles, mm. interossei plantares.

Dorsal muscles of the foot

1. Short extensor muscle of the fingers, m. extensor digitorum brevis - ascends to the lateral surface of the calcaneus, passes into four tendons and is attached to the base of the proximal, middle and distal phalanx of the II-IV fingers.
Function: unbends the II-IV toes of the foot, pulls them in the lateral direction.
Blood supply: a. tarsea lateralis, r. perforans a. peroneae.
Innervation: n. peroneus profundus (I IV-S I).
2. Short extensor muscle of the thumb, m. extensor hallucis brevis - located under the tendon of the long extensor of the fingers, attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.
Function: flexes the big toe.
Blood supply: a. tarsea lateralis, r. perforans a. peronea.
Innervation: n. peroneus profundus (L IV-L V, S I).
3. Dorsal interosseous muscles, m. interossei dorsales - four muscles that fill the interosseous spaces on the dorsum of the foot. They originate from two adjacent metatarsal bones facing each other and are attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the II-IV fingers.
Function: the first muscle pulls the II toe in the medial direction, and the first, second and third muscles displace the II-IV fingers in the lateral direction. All four muscles flex the proximal phalanges and extend the middle and distal phalanges of the II-IV fingers.
Blood supply: arcus plantaris, aa. metatarsea plantares.
Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S 1-5 II).

Muscles of the sole

The muscles of the big toe include such muscles.
1. Abductor thumb muscle, m. abductor hallucis - located superficially along the medial edge of the foot, originates from the processus medialis of the calcaneal tuber and the plantar surface of the navicular tuber and aponeurosis plantaris. Attached to the medial sesamoid bone of the thumb and the base of its proximal phalanx.
Function: flexes and abducts the big toe, strengthens the medial part of the arch of the foot.
Blood supply: a. plantaris medialis.
Innervation:
2. Short flexor muscle of the thumb, m. flexor hallucis brevis - located lateral to the preliminary muscle, originates from os cuneiforme (I) and os naviculare from the plantar ligaments that unite these bones. Attached together with m. abductor hallucis to the os sesamoideum mediale of the thumb and to the base of its proximal phalanx.
Function: flexes the thumb and supports the arch of the foot.
Blood supply: a. plantaris medialis, arcus plantaris.
Innervation: side part - n. plantaris lateralis (5 1-5 II); medial part - n. plantaris medialis (5 III-S V).
3. Adductor thumb muscle, m. adductor hallucis - covered by a common flexor of the fingers, originates from two heads:
- cross head, caput transversum - originates on the plantar surface from the articular bags of the III-V metatarsophalangeal joints, the distal ends of the II-V metatarsal bones, deep transverse metatarsal ligaments and plantar aponeurosis;
- oblique head, caput obliquum - originates from the plantar surface of the cuboid bone, the lateral sphenoid bone, the base of the II-V metatarsal bones and the long plantar ligament, lig. plantare longum.
Function: adducts the big toe and flexes it.
Blood supply: a. metatarseae plantares, rr. perforantes a. arcuatae.
Innervation:
The muscles of the little toe of the foot include such muscles. 1. Abductor muscle of the little finger, m. abductor digiti minimi - located under the plantar aponeurosis, originates from the hill of the calcaneus and aponeurosis plantaris. Attaches to tuberositas ossis metatarsal (V) and to the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.
Function: abducts and flexes the little toe of the foot.
Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.
Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (5 1-5 II).
2. Short flexor muscle of the little finger, m. flexor digiti minimi brevis - located under aponeurosis plantaris, originates from os metatarsal (V) and from lig. plantare longum, is attached to the distal half of the lateral edge of the os metatarsale (V) and the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.
Function: flexes the little toe of the foot.
Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.
Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (5 1-5 II).
3. Opposite muscle of the little finger, m. opponens digiti minimi - insufficiently developed, originates from lig.plantare longum and attaches to the base of 05 metatarsale (V).
Function: opposes the little toe to the big toe.
Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.
Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S I-S II).
The middle muscles of the sole include such muscles. 1. Short finger flexor muscle, m. flexor digitorum brevis - located under the plantar aponeurosis, originates from the medial elevation of the calcaneal hill and aponeurosis plantaris, goes forward, the muscular abdomen passes into four tendons that lie in the sheath along with m. flexoris digitorum longi. At the level of the proximal phalanx, the tendons are divided into two legs, which are attached to the base of the middle phalanx of the II-V fingers.
Function: flexes the fingers in the interphalangeal joints, supports the arch of the foot.
Blood supply: aa. plantaris lateralis et medialis.
Innervation: n. plantaris medialis (L V-S I).
2. Square muscle of the sole, m. quadratusplantae - lies under the previous muscle, originates from the articular area of ​​the calcaneus and is attached to the lateral edge of the tendon m. flexor digitorum longus.
Function: stretches the tendon of the long flexor of the fingers.
Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.
Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (5 1-5 II).
3. lumbrical muscle, mm. lumbricales - four muscles located between the tendons m. flexoris digitorum longi and are covered by a short flexor of the fingers. They originate from the tendon of the long flexor of the fingers and are attached to the medial edge of the dorsal aponeurosis of the proximal phalanx.
Function: bend fingers in the metatarsophalangeal joints.
Blood supply: aa. plantares laterales et medialis.
Innervation: n. plantaris medialis, n. plantaris lateralis (L IV-S II).
4. Dorsal interosseous muscles, mm. interossei dorsales - located in four interosseous spaces, originate from the metatarsal bones facing each other, are attached to the aponeurosis of the phalanges of the II-IV fingers.
Function: the first interosseous muscle abducts the 2nd finger from the median line of the foot, and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th muscles abduct the corresponding fingers to the lateral side (closer to the 5th toe).
Blood supply: acrus plantaris, aa. metatarsea plantares.
Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (5 1-5 II).
5. plantar interosseous muscles, mm. interossiplantares - three muscles are located in the interosseous spaces of ossa metatarsalia (II-V), originate from the medial sides of the II-V metatarsal bones and are attached to the base of the proximal phalanges of the corresponding fingers.
Function: lead III-V fingers to the II finger.
Blood supply: arcus plantaris, aa. metatarsea plantares.
Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (5 1-5 II).

The structure of the feet is quite complex, because they perform very important functions in the body and are subjected to heavy loads. The muscles of the foot are responsible for maintaining balance and shock absorption during movement. The main load is taken by large muscles, which are connected to the tendons of the lower leg and are responsible for all movements of the foot. They are more superficial. And under them there are another two dozen small muscles that also perform important functions. It is they who stabilize the foot during any movements, participate in repulsion from the surface while running, and also support the arches.

The muscular apparatus of the foot

The anatomy of the foot is very complex. For the normal functioning of all its movable joints and joints, a strong muscular apparatus is necessary. Therefore, in addition to the muscles of the lower leg, which are attached with the help of tendons to the bones of the foot, it has its own muscles. They are divided into two groups depending on their location. The first includes the muscles of the back of the foot, which are responsible for its stabilization and extension of the fingers. The plantar muscles are engaged in bending the fingers, as well as supporting the arches.

Each group is respectively divided into three sections: medial, located on the side of the thumb, lateral, controlling the little finger, and middle. The most developed are the medial plantar muscles. This is due to the peculiarities of the functioning of the foot. After all, the sole bears the greatest load.

All the muscles of the human foot are short but strong. They form complex weaves with each other, with the tendons of the fingers. All this provides the feet with the ability to maintain balance and serve as a shock absorber in all movements.

Back surface

There are few muscles on the back of the foot. The largest is the long extensor of the fingers, coming from the lower leg. After the ankle joint, it splits into separate tendons that go to each toe. They not only unbend the fingers, but control the work of the anterior section. Under these tendons are short extensor fingers. There are only two of them. One goes from the calcaneus along the upper side of the foot. It is divided into four parts, attaching to the bases of the phalanges. Its function is the extension of 2-5 fingers.

The short extensor of the thumb is stronger and more developed. It is involved in maintaining balance, repulsion from the surface when running. In addition, there are four interosseous muscles on the back of the foot. They are located between the metatarsal bones, and participate in more complex movements of the fingers, shifting them to the sides, bending and unbending different phalanges.


The complex anatomical structure of the foot is necessary for it to perform its functions correctly.

Sole

The plantar surface of the foot has a more developed muscular apparatus. After all, it is this area that withstands the greatest load during all movements. The muscles are located under the plantar aponeurosis, which divides them into three groups. This anatomical structure provides greater mobility of the anterior section, stabilization of the foot under loads and support for the arches.

The first group, the medial, which controls the movements of the thumb, includes three muscles. It includes a muscle that removes the finger and brings it, as well as a short flexor. The second group, related to the 5th finger, is even smaller. These are two lateral muscles: the abductor of the little finger and its short flexor. They are the weakest, so for many people this finger almost does not work.

The middle one is the most developed muscle group of the sole. It includes more than 10 different muscles. First of all, it is a short flexor of the fingers. It is located under the plantar fascia. It goes from the calcaneus to the middle phalanges of 2-5 fingers. Dividing into four tendons, joins them. He is responsible for their bending.

The square muscle of the foot is sometimes called the accessory flexor because it controls the distal phalanges. It lies more deeply and is attached to the tendon of the long flexor in the place where it is divided into four bundles. One of its functions is to direct its work.

The movements of 2-5 fingers help control the worm-like muscles. There are 4 of them, they are short and thin, have a spindle shape. Pass between the tendons of the long flexor. In addition to flexion, their function is to support the longitudinal arch. The interosseous muscles of the foot are also located on the sole. They lie more deeply, and are located between the metatarsal bones. They control the flexion and extension of the phalanges of 3-5 fingers, and also lead them to the middle.


Only with healthy muscles of the foot can they perform their functions correctly.

Pathologies of the muscular system

Since the muscles of the foot stabilize it and are involved in maintaining the arches, when they weaken or malfunction, the load falls on other structures, mainly on the ligaments, joints and plantar fascia. As a result, inflammation develops, injuries and other pathologies may occur. Often it is the weakness of the muscular apparatus that causes pain in the foot, cramps, and swelling.

There are several pathologies that are associated with the muscles of the foot. They can occur in people of any age and physical fitness. Without timely treatment, they can cause more serious diseases. Therefore, you should be more attentive to any pain, contacting a doctor if they do not go away for several days. The specialist will be able to determine what caused them.

  • Most often, pain occurs with myositis. This is the name of the inflammatory process that occurs in muscle tissue. It develops due to increased stress, hypothermia, infection, intoxication or injury.
  • In the foot, muscle or ligament sprains also often occur. Such an injury is caused by muscle strain or sudden movement. Depending on the severity of the injury, walking discomfort or constant pain may occur. Sometimes it is accompanied by edema.
  • Flat feet also often lead to pain. After all, the deformation of the foot causes an incorrect distribution of the load.

Any muscle pain is an unnatural phenomenon. Even ordinary overwork can lead to more serious consequences if not taken care of. It is not recommended to continue to move intensively with pain, you need to give your feet a rest. In case of sprain or myositis, it is imperative to ensure rest for the legs. Useful massage, relaxing baths, warming creams. And to prevent pathologies, it is recommended to regularly perform special exercises.

The muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the foot performs very important functions. But few people pay attention to his training and protection. Therefore, various pathologies in this area are so common.

Despite the fact that this part of the leg is the least voluminous, there is a huge amount of musculature here. The main muscles of the lower leg and foot are responsible for a huge number of movements in the process of moving a person in space.

Due to the coordinated work of the muscles of the lower leg, the motor process occurs when walking, running and jumping. Responsible for flexion and extension of the foot, the muscles of the human lower leg actuate the mechanism of the joints and make it possible to take steps.

The complex anatomy of the leg and foot muscles is largely associated with the long evolution of man. The ability to make grasping movements with the toes has already been lost, however, the muscular apparatus for this in a rudimentary form is preserved until the end of life.

Numerous longitudinal, transverse and oblique muscles of the human foot, with sufficient development, allow ballerinas to dance on the tips of their thumbs, successfully correct flat feet and clubfoot.

General information about the muscles of the lower leg

The anatomy of the leg muscles is such that they predominantly act on the ankle joint, producing flexion and extension of the foot; at the same time, they act on the joints of the toes, and also participate in the flexion of the lower leg at the knee joint.

Since the feet constitute the supporting surfaces of the whole body, the positioning of the legs (and with them the whole body) relative to the feet in the ankle joints is the most important movement for any locomotion, as well as maintaining the vertical position of the body.

It is very important to keep the lower leg in a strictly vertical position, because in the phase of standing on one leg while walking, the support of the whole body occurs only on the tibia in the area of ​​the knee joint.

All the muscles of the leg are involved in this function. The entire structure of the muscles of the lower leg accompanies the successful maintenance of balance and the performance of rhythmic movements. This is general information, and now let's move on to particulars.

There are three groups of leg muscles: back - flexor muscles of the foot and fingers; anterior - extensor muscles of the foot and fingers; lateral - muscles-pronators and flexors of the foot.

Back muscles of the leg: with their help, when walking (as well as during other types of locomotion: running and jumping), the body is repelled from the supporting surface.

This movement is carried out by flexion of the foot at the ankle joint and flexion at the metatarsophalangeal joints. Therefore, the posterior group of leg muscles reaches the strongest development, among which the triceps muscle of the leg is the most powerful.

triceps calf muscle ( m. triceps surae) lies superficially and gives the lower leg a rounded shape in the proximal part.

Two of its heads form the gastrocnemius muscle (m. gastrocnemius), and the third, lying under them, is called the soleus muscle (m. soleus).

The lateral and medial heads of the gastrocnemius muscle originate from the corresponding epicondyles of the femur, the soleus muscle - from the proximal parts of the fibula and tibia and the interosseous membrane of the leg.

Tendon stretch of the soleus muscle merges with the tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle, forming calcaneal tendon ( tendo calcaneus) , often called the Achilles tendon; it attaches to the heel bone.

This muscle- one of the most powerful; it works against gravity and helps keep the tibia, and with it the whole body, in an upright position.

Starting on the femur, the gastrocnemius muscle also acts on the knee joint, participating in flexion. So, when doing squats, this muscle brings the thigh closer to the lower leg.

Foot and toe flexors

The tibialis posterior muscle and the flexor muscles leading to the toes also flex the foot (plantar flexion). The muscles of the lateral muscle group of the lower leg also take part in the flexion of the foot.

Tibialis posterior ( m. tibialis posterior) lies behind the interosseous membrane of the leg and starts from it and the tibia and fibula.

The tendon of the muscle bends around the medial malleolus from below and is attached on the plantar surface of the foot to the tuberosity of the navicular bone, three sphenoid bones and the bases of the II-IV metatarsal bone. In addition to flexion, it is involved in adduction and supination of the foot.

Long finger flexor ( m. flexor digitorum longus) is located most medially in the deep layer of the posterior leg muscle group.

It starts from the posterior surface of the tibia, behind the medial malleolus it goes to the sole, where it is divided into four tendons going to the distal phalanges of the II-V finger. When contracting, bends the II-V finger; also involved in flexion and supination of the foot.

Long flexor of the big toe ( m. flexor hallucis longus) occupies the most lateral position in the deep layer of the muscles of the posterior group.

Originates from the posterior surface of the fibula; its tendon passes under the medial malleolus to the sole and attaches to the distal phalanx of the big toe. The function of the muscle corresponds to its name.

On the back of the knee joint lies hamstring ( m. popliteus) , which starts from the lateral epicondyle of the femur and joint capsule and is attached to the posterior surface of the tibia.

When flexing the lower leg, it turns it slightly inward and prevents the capsule of the knee joint from being infringed.

The anterior muscle group of the lower leg consists of the extensors of the foot and fingers: tibialis anterior, extensor toe longus, and extensor hallucis longus.

Finger and foot extensors

Anterior leg muscle ( m. tibialis anterior) occupies the most medial position on the lower leg. It starts from the lateral condyle and the body of the tibia, the interosseous membrane and the fascia of the leg.

In the lower third of the lower leg, the muscle passes into a strong tendon, which is attached to the medial sphenoid bone and the base of the first metatarsal bone. During contraction, the muscle unbends the foot and raises its medial edge (supination); acting together with the posterior tibial muscle, it is involved in adducting the foot

When combined with other muscles of the lower leg, it ensures its vertical position when standing.

Long extensor of toes ( m. extensor digitorum longus) originates from the lateral condyle of the tibia, the interosseous membrane of the leg, head and anterior surface of the fibula.

At the bottom, the tendon of the muscle is divided into four parts, which, fan-shaped at the rear of the foot, are attached to the bases of the middle and distal phalanges of the II-V fingers. During contraction, the muscle acts on the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the II-V toe, unbending them, as well as the foot as a whole; raises the lateral edge of the foot (pronation) and takes it to the lateral side.

On the lateral side, a small muscle bundle can be separated from the long extensor of the fingers, the tendon of which is attached to the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. This unstable muscle is called the third peroneal muscle.

Long extensor of the big toe ( m. extensor hallucis longus) lies deep in the upper part of the lower leg, starting from the fibula and the interosseous membrane, on the back of the foot, its long tendon is attached to the distal phalanx of the thumb, giving a branch to the proximal phalanx.

Extends the big toe, raises its medial edge (supination of the foot), and also participates in the extension of the foot.

The lateral muscle group of the lower leg is long ( m. fibularis longus) and short ( m. fibularis brevis) peroneal muscles, the tendons of which pass to the plantar surface of the foot under the lateral ankle.

The short peroneal muscle is attached at the lateral edge of the foot to the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal bone. The tendon of the long peroneal muscle goes around the lateral edge of the foot and, crossing the sole in an oblique direction, is attached on its inner edge to the medial sphenoid bone and the base of the first metatarsal bone.

It seems to form a loop (or stirrup) under the arch of the foot, which is important for its maintenance and strengthening. The function of the long peroneal muscle is to pronate the foot, in which its medial edge descends. Both peroneal muscles are involved in foot flexion.

Thus, the main functions of the muscles of the lower leg are the implementation of movements in the ankle joint and holding the tibia in a vertical position, since the whole body is supported on it when standing.

The muscles of the lower leg move not only the foot as a whole, but also the toes, providing (together with the short muscles of the foot) their flexion and extension.

Basic information about the foot

The muscles of the foot are present both on its plantar and on the back surface. They act on the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the foot. The main functions of the muscles of the foot:

  • Maintaining and strengthening the arches of the foot, which play an important role in absorbing shocks that occur during walking and other types of locomotion
  • Flexion of the fingers in the metatarsophalangeal joints, which is necessary when pushing the leg off the supporting surface

The anatomy of the muscles of the human foot is such that on its back side there are short extensors of the fingers and tendons of the long extensor muscles originating on the bones of the lower leg.

On the plantar surface of the foot, the muscles, in accordance with the anatomy (as well as on the hand), form three groups.

The middle group of muscles of the foot is made up of muscles acting on the phalanxes of the II-V fingers: the short flexor of the fingers, the square muscle of the sole, the worm-like muscles, the dorsal and plantar interosseous muscles.

  • Finger flexor short ( m. flexor digitorum brevis) lies superficially under the plantar aponeurosis; starts from the calcaneal tuber and is attached to the middle phalanges of the II-V fingers. In addition to bending the fingers, it is of great importance in strengthening the longitudinal arches of the foot.
  • Square muscle of the sole ( m. quadratus plantae) located deeper and starts from the calcaneus, and is attached to the tendon of the long flexor of the fingers. The main purpose of this muscle is to give a direct direction in relation to the fingers to the thrust of the long flexor of the fingers, the tendons of which approach the phalanges at an angle.
  • Four worm-like muscles ( mm. lumbricales) , as well as three plantar ( mm. interossei plantares) and four dorsal interosseous muscles ( mm. interossei dorsales) in their action on the toes, they are similar to the muscles of the hand of the same name. The interosseous muscles of the foot are grouped around the II metatarsal bone, i.e., during contraction, they lead (plantar muscles) and abduct (dorsal muscles) the fingers relative to the II toe.

Such a grouping of muscles is associated with the supporting role of the foot, in contrast to the grasping function of the hand, where the reduction and separation of the fingers occur around the third finger. this is the initial information on anatomy, and now we will consider the structure in detail.

When the first symptoms of injuries in the lower extremities appear, diagnostics should be carried out immediately in order to identify the problem at an early stage.

The first symptoms may be:

  • the appearance of a pull;
  • general weakness of the legs;
  • nerve spasms;
  • constant hardening of various muscles.

At the same time, if even slight pain sensations are present on an ongoing basis, this also indicates possible damage or illness.

General inspection

The doctor checks the lower extremities for visual abnormalities (enlarged patella, tumors, bruises, blood clots, etc.). The specialist asks the patient to do some exercises and say if pain is felt. In this way, the area where the disease is possible is revealed.

Goniometry

Goniometry is an additional examination of the lower extremities with the help of modern technologies. This method allows you to identify deviations in the amplitude of oscillations of the joints and the patella. That is, if there is any difference from the norm, there is reason to think and start to conduct further research.

Goniometry

X-ray diagnostics of the lower extremities

There are several types of radiation diagnostics:

X-ray in two projections to clarify the severity of the disease

  • X-ray. A picture is taken in which damage to the skeleton can be replaced. However, one should not think that only cracks and fractures are detected by X-rays; in some cases, cavities can be noticed, a problem associated with a lack of calcium in the body.
  • Artography similar to the previous method, however, pictures are taken pointwise in the area of ​​​​the knee joint to check the integrity of the menisci.
  • CT scan- a modern and expensive method, but extremely effective, because the measurement accuracy error is only a millimeter.
  • Radionuclide methods. They help the specialist to identify pathologies in the lower extremities and joints.

There are additional research methods that are assigned privately:

  • ultrasound examination ();
  • magnetic resonance imaging ().

However, despite the effectiveness of some methods, the most reliable decision will be to combine several in order to minimize the possibility of not noticing an illness or injury.

Conclusion

If a person notices some strange sensations in the lower extremities, then an examination should be carried out immediately in one of the city clinics, otherwise the symptoms may become more serious and lead to diseases that will take more than one year to treat.

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