Information and Resources

Overview

• The human foot has 26 bones.
• Divide the foot into 3 parts: the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot.
• There are 2 bones in the hindfoot. These are the talus, which is where the foot attaches to the leg, and the calcaneus, which forms the heel.
• Five smaller bones called the navicular, cuboid, and 3 cuneiforms make up the midfoot.
• The long part of the foot is called the forefoot and contains 19 bones. There is a metatarsal for each of the 5 toes, the big toe is made up of 2 phalanges, and the other toes each have 3 phalanges.
• In addition, the foot sometimes has some small pebble-like bones called sesamoid bones. These bones do not perform any necessary function and are often called accessory bones.

Osteoarthritis

How Does Osteoarthritis Affect the Foot and Ankle?

Each foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints. The following are the most common foot joints affected by osteoarthritis:

• The three joints of the foot that involve the heel bone, the inner mid-foot bone, and the outer mid-foot bone
• The joint of the big toe and foot bone
• The joint where the ankle and shin bone meet

Often Develops After an Injury

Recurring or chronic pain on the outer side of the ankle often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle. However, several other conditions may also cause chronic ankle pain.

Pain, usually on the outer side of the ankle, may be so intense that you have difficulty walking or participating in sports. In some cases, the pain is a constant, dull ache.

Treatment and Recovery

What are treatment options?

Talus fractures may be treated in a cast or surgery may be recommended.

Non-Surgical Treatment. Is recommended for fractures in which the pieces of bones remain close together and the joint surfaces are well aligned. Patients who smoke or have diabetes or poor circulation may be treated without surgery due to the very high risk of developing complications if surgery is performed.