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Joints of the Foot

*Articulationes pedis*

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The joints of the foot form a complex biomechanical system that unites the tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges. These articulations provide reliable support, body weight distribution, and shock absorption through a unique system of arches and a powerful ligamentous apparatus.

Chopart's JointTransverse tarsal joint, an important surgical landmark.
Lisfranc's JointTarsometatarsal joint complex (plane synovial joints).
Arches of the FootLongitudinal and transverse arches providing springy shock absorption.

Tarsal Articulations

The tarsal bones form several important joints with each other, ensuring mobility of the hindfoot and midfoot:

Metatarsal and Phalangeal Joints

The distal foot includes articulations between the metatarsal bones and phalanges, which play a key role in propulsion and walking:

  1. Tarsometatarsal joints (art. tarsometatarsales), or Lisfranc's joint. These are plane articulations.
  2. Intermetatarsal joints (art. intermetatarsales) — located directly between the bases of the metatarsal bones.
  3. Metatarsophalangeal joints (art. metatarsophalangeae) — ellipsoid joints allowing flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction of the toes.
  4. Interphalangeal joints of the foot (art. interphalangeae pedis) — typical hinge joints. Their biomechanics are limited to flexion and extension.

Ligaments and Arches of the Foot

The stability of the skeletal framework is maintained by strong ligaments and fascia. The main structures include:

Arch Architecture

The foot has a distinct vaulted structure that includes the longitudinal arch (divided into medial and lateral parts) and the transverse arch (formed at the level of the metatarsal heads).

The main functions of the arches are shock absorption during walking, spring-like resilience, and even load distribution. This architecture is reliably supported by three components: ligaments, fascia, and muscles.

Mnemonic

To remember the two main surgical joint complexes, use the eponymous names: Chopart = transverse tarsal joint (midtarsal); Lisfranc = tarsometatarsal joints.

Frequently asked questions

Which ligament is considered the 'key' of the transverse tarsal joint (Chopart's joint)?

The 'key' of the transverse tarsal joint (Chopart's joint) is the bifurcated ligament (lig. bifurcatum). It originates from the superior border of the calcaneus and divides into two parts: one attaches to the dorsolateral margin of the navicular bone, and the other to the dorsal surface of the cuboid bone. This short, strong ligament must be severed during surgical disarticulation of the midfoot to widely expose the joint surfaces.

Between which specific bones are the tarsometatarsal joints (Lisfranc's joint) formed?

The tarsometatarsal joints (Lisfranc's joint) are formed between the distal tarsal bones (the medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiform bones, and the cuboid bone) and the bases of the five metatarsal bones.

Which ligament is known as the 'key' of Lisfranc's joint?

The 'key' of Lisfranc's joint is the medial intercuneometatarsal ligament (lig. cuneometatarsale interosseum mediale). Topographically, it runs from the lateral side of the medial cuneiform bone to the base of the 2nd metatarsal bone. Only after cutting this ligament can the joint be widely opened, which is a necessary step in Lisfranc disarticulation.

Which specific muscles act as active supports (dynamic ties) for the arches of the foot?

The active dynamic ties supporting the arches of the foot include:

  • Tibialis posterior — provides general stabilization of the foot arch (supports and pulls down the navicular bone).
  • Adductor hallucis (m. adductor hallucis) — supports the transverse arch of the foot.
  • Flexor digitorum longus (m. flexor digitorum longus) — supports the medial longitudinal arch.
Which joints form Chopart's joint?

Chopart's joint (transverse tarsal joint) includes the talocalcaneonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.

Where are the intermetatarsal joints located?

The intermetatarsal joints are located between the bases of the adjacent metatarsal bones.

What movements are possible in the metatarsophalangeal joints?

Because they are ellipsoid joints, they allow flexion/extension and abduction/adduction.

What supports the arches of the foot?

The arches of the foot are supported by ligaments (particularly the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament), fascia, and muscles.

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