What is the structure of the foot?

The foot is designed to withstand the considerable forces placed on it by walking, running, and jumping. The 26 bones of the foot are connected by joints and supported by thickened ligaments to absorb the impact of movement. As well, the joints of the foot are acted upon by tendons that allow flexing and extending to permit walking and running to occur.
The bony anatomy can be described as follows:

• The talus articulates with the tibia (shin bone) to form the ankle joint.
• The calcaneus or the heel bone is attached by ligaments to the tibia to provide stability to the ankle joint.
• The midfoot consists of the navicular, the cuboid, and the three cuneiform bones. The midfoot is where inversion and supination of the foot occurs. These motions allow the sole of the foot to turn inwards and upwards.
• The five metatarsal bones are connected to each toe.
• The toe bones are called phalanges (single = phalanx) with the great toe having two and the other four toes having three each. These bones are named based upon their relationship to the body: proximal, middle and distal. Proximal means closest to the center of the body while distal is furthest from the center.
• The arch of the foot is maintained by the plantar fascia, a thick fibrous band of tissue that runs from the calcaneus to the metatarsal, preventing the bones of the foot from flattening.
• Injuries to the foot include fractures of the bone, sprains of the ligaments that stabilize the joints, and strains of the muscles and tendons that move the foot.

 

Source :

http://www.medicinenet.com/broken_foot/article.htm#what_is_the_structure_of_the_foot

A Guide to Selecting a Steel Toe Shoe for your Broken Toe

A broken toe will take about 6 weeks to heal. If the toe is still hurting after 6 weeks, you will need another X-ray to see how the toe is healing and to take further action. There are several treatment options when it comes to treating a broken toe. Some of the most effective treatment options are foot surgery by an orthopedic surgeon, elevating the foot, application of ice, and then resting the foot, the use of antibiotics, a tetanus shot, the process of reduction where the broken parts are lined up so that they heal normally, and by buddy taping whereby a small bandage is placed between the broken toe and the next one.

One of the most effective broken toe treatment options is however the use of a special shoe. These shoes are advantageous over casts in broken toe treatment in that they offer flexibility because you can remove them whenever you want such as when you want to take a shower. These shoes are advantageous in that they can be used after the injury heals and they can be used by another person. Using the shoe for broken toe treatment means you are not exposed to the risks characteristic of surgery such as the risk of infection.

You should however not go for the first special/medical shoe for broken toe treatment you come across. There are several considerations that you should make if you are to make the right choice. One of the most important considerations is the fabric used in the shoe. You will be wearing the shoe for about 6 weeks and it should therefore be as comfortable as possible. The best materials in the market today are suede, canvas like fabrics, gortex like rubber, and leather. Leather is particularly effective in that it is easily broken into a few days after you start wearing the shoe and this means the shoe will adapt to the shape of your foot. Other advantages of leather are that it will not burn or melt easily, it has great aesthetic value, and it is easily polished.

Another important consideration should be durability. The shoe should not only last the 6 weeks it takes for the broken toe to heal – go for a shoe that can be used for another broken toe in the family. Go for a shoe that has a steel shank and this will increase its durability. Scrutinize the shoe critically for obvious design flaws, paying particular attention to the stitches and the padding.

Consider the sole of the shoe. Dig your fingers into soles when doing your comparisons and avoid the shoes where the sole bends easily and you feel the air. You should however not go for tougher and thicker rubber since this will not be comfortable. Walk in the shoe for a while to find out if it is comfortable. When buying a special/medical shoe for broken toe treatment, consider its flexibility. Consider how the contours of your foot will feel after an 8-hour day and consider the ease/difficulty of removing the shoe. Cost considerations are important, as are the features of the shoes such as electrical hazard, well insulated, and waterproof.
by: Brace Doctor

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_12510.shtml