The heel is an important part of the foot that allows you to stand, balance, walk, run, and jump. The unmistakable shape of the heel makes it easy to locate. You may know what heel is and all the foot problems like bone spurs and calluses.
The heel, like the other components of the foot, is intimately connected with a complex network of tendons, nerves, veins, joints, and bones. The most recognizable portion of the bone is the heel bone, which is also called the calcaneal tubercle. This large bone protects the inside of the heel, provides structure for the foot, and helps absorb pressure on the foot when walking, running, and jumping.
On each side of the calcaneal bone of the tubercle are two muscles, called the abductor hallucis and the abductor digit minimi. These muscles allow you to flex your big toe and little toe. The starting point of the Achilles tendon is also attached to the heel. The Achilles tendon contains a group of muscles, including the triceps surae and the gastrocnemius. The triceps surae allows the foot to stretch downward. Another long, thin muscle called the plantaris leve. The Achilles tendon connects the foot to the calf muscle through the ankle.
heel function
The function of the heel was briefly mentioned above, but a more detailed description of the function of the heel will now be discussed. The size, shape and location of the heel shapes the area in the center of the foot, called the arch. Proper arch shape allows the force and pressure of the foot striking the ground to be evenly distributed throughout the foot so that no part of the foot is damaged or worn from excessive impact. The heel also helps the foot stabilize on uneven terrain.
The bottom of the feet takes a lot of impact and is used in a single day. Therefore, the ability to evenly distribute weight, pressure, and impact, as well as provide stability, is very important. Without the amazing use of the heel by the foot to provide these abilities, use of the feet would be difficult and potentially painful.
distribution force
The forces exerted on the feet are distributed in five ways: three along the medial side of the foot (big toe side) and two along the lateral side (little toe side). The medial force distribution travels through the navicular and cuneiform bones to the ankle bone. The lateral distribution goes over the cuboid and heel bones.
The combination of the ankle and heel bones work to absorb pressure, the heel becomes the posterior fulcrum bearing the brunt of impact and pressure. The tips of the big and little toes are the front fulcrum that receives the other half of most of the impact pressure.
Impact absorption
Beneath the heel, a 2 cm thick layer of subcutaneous connective tissue, equipped with integrated pressure chambers, allows the heel to act as a shock absorber for the foot and as a stabilizer for the sole of the foot.
The heel, like the rest of the foot, is very complex and functions as a shock absorber and stabilizer for the foot, as well as providing protection and structure to the foot.
Foot injuries that affect the heel, including plantar fasciitis, can easily disrupt life and the ability to perform everyday tasks like walking. A podiatrist can help diagnose and properly treat serious, acute, and chronic foot problems.
