Arches of the foot: the foot skeleton is arched longitudinally and transversely, concavity towards the sole, forming an elastic lever for weight-bearing and propulsion.
The foot performs two functions:
a pliable platform to support body weight on standing
a lever to propel the body during walking, running and jumping.
Longitudinal Arches: Medial and Lateral
Two types of arches: longitudinal (medial and lateral, one of each per foot) and transverse (a series across the foot).
Medial longitudinal arch:
Formed by: calcaneum, talus, navicular, three cuneiforms and medial three metatarsals.
Posterior pillar: medial half of the calcaneum.
Anterior pillar: heads of the medial three metatarsals.
Lateral longitudinal arch:
Formed by: calcaneum, cuboid and the lateral two metatarsals.
Posterior pillar: lateral tubercle of the calcaneum.
Anterior pillar: heads of the lateral two metatarsals.
Characteristically low, almost touching the ground; adapted for receiving and transmitting body weight during walking and running rather than for propulsion.