There Are Five Metatarsal

There are five metatarsals in all. The metatarsals are the long bones located in our feet, between the tarsal (ankle) bones and the phalanges (the toes).

The metatarsals form the foot’s arch and serve as its shock absorber. They are connected to the forefoot and hindfoot by muscles, and by the plantar fascia ligament. The metatarsals are not named individually. Instead, they are numbered first (the big toe) through fifth (the pinky). Each metatarsal has a long shaft with two expanded ends called the base and the head. Here is a quick description of each of the metatarsal bones:

• The first metatarsal bone is the shortest and thickest. It connects several tendons and plays a huge role in propulsion (forward movement) when walking.
• The second metatarsal bone is the longest and is firmly held between the first and third cuneiform bones. This bone is the most susceptible to injury.
• The third metatarsal bone is in the middle, and it articulates the third cuneiform, second and fourth metatarsal bones.
• The fourth metatarsal bone is smaller than the third, but like the third it articulates the surrounding metatarsals (third and fifth), and it also articulates the cuboid.
• The fifth metatarsal bone articulates the cuboid and the fourth metatarsal. A fracture of the fifth metatarsal is called a Jones fracture, and it is a common injury to this bone.

Source: footvitals

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