Heel

From ArticleWorld

The heel is the most posterior aspect of the human foot. It is formed by the lowermost prominence of the calcaneus bone.

Anatomy

The calcaneus bone forms the inferior articular surface between the talus to make the upper ankle joint. It also forms a large knob-shaped prominence that forms the heel itself. The calcaneus also has a small prominence at its base that connects the proximal end of the plantar fascia and connects in the foot itself with several small foot bones. The deltoid ligament firms the connection between the calcaneus and the tibia which are not otherwise linked by a joint surface.

Function

The back of the calcaneus is the insertion of the Achilles’ tendon that helps in the plantar flexion of the foot. It also forms the insertion of the long plantar ligament of the foot. The joint connection between the talus and the calcaneus bones allow for the foot to be able to invert (turn inward) or to evert (turn outward).

Conditions

There are two primary conditions that affect the heel. The first is a rupture of the Achilles’ tendon at its insertion point on the calcaneus. This happens when the gastrocnemius muscle overrides the strength of the tendon, resulting in its rupture. In unusual cases, a person can sustain a direct fall onto their heel and fracture the calcaneus in half.