Anatomy-Lexicon

Calcaneus

anatomy

The heel bone (lat. Calcaneus) is the largest and dominant foot bone and has a slightly cuboid shape. As part of the rear foot, part of the heel bone stands directly on the floor and serves for stability. The calcaneus is divided into different parts, which fulfill different functions and tasks.

More about the heel can be found here: Achilles heel

Figure left foot: Skeleton from the right side (A) and from above (B)

Toe phalanx -
Phalanx distalis
Middle toe -
Phalanx media
Metatarsal phalanx -
Phal. proximalis
(1st - 3rd toe bones -
Phalanges)
Metatarsal bones -
Os metatarsi
Inner sphenoid bone -
Medial cuneiform bone
Middle sphenoid bone -
Os cuneiform intermedium
External sphenoid bone -
Os cuneiform laterale
Cuboid - Os cuboideum
Scaphoid bone - Navicular bone
Ankle bone - Talus
Ankle roll - Trochlea tali
Heel bone - Calcaneus
Protrusion on 5th metatarsal -
Tuberositas ossis metatarsalis quinti (V)

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

The posterior prominent portion of the calcaneus is called the Calcaneal tuberosity and is visible and palpable as the heel on the foot. This is where the Achilles tendon, the Twin calf muscle (Gastrocnemius muscle) and the Clod muscle (Soleus muscle) at. On its underside, a stabilizing band runs between the heel bone and the cuboid bone (Calcaneocuboid ligament). In addition, there are two cusps on the underside, the processus lateralis tuberis calcanei and the Processus medialis tuberis calcanei. These serve as the origin for the Abductor hallucis muscle, the Flexor digitorum brevis muscle and the Abductor digiti muscle minimi.

The tendon plate in the area of the sole of the foot, Plantar aponeurosis, has its origin in the calcaneal tuberosity. To the front, the calcaneus forms with the cuboid bone (Os cuboideum) an articulated connection. Both on the inside of the foot and on the outside of the calcaneus there are protruding bones that protect and guide muscles. On the inside of the foot lies the Sulcus tendinis musculi flexoris hallucis longuswhich contains the long flexor muscle of the big toe and prevents the heel bone from buckling inwards through its action. This is covered by a protruding bone, the Sustentaculum tali.
On the outside of the foot is the Sulcus tendinis musculi peronei longi. This muscle is used to tension the Transverse vault. In addition, various nerves and blood vessels run in these boxes.

On the top of the calcaneus lie three articular surfaces, the Facies articularis talaris anterior, Facies articularis talaris media and the Facies articularis talaris posterior. The runs between the last two joint surfaces Calcaneal sulcus, which together with the Talar sulcus of the talus as Canalis tarsi designated tunnel forms. The front (anterior) and middle (medial) articular surfaces are parts of the anterior ankle.
The rear (posterior) articular surface is part of the posterior ankle. The entire heel bone and especially the prominent rear portion is the decisive pressure point for standing and walking upright.

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My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
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Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without an operation with a complete restoration of performance.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
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60311 Frankfurt am Main

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You can find more information about me at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

Injuries and pain in the heel

The most common injuries to the calcaneus are Fractionscaused by falls from a great height or traffic accidents. The patients suffer from very severe pain and can no longer stand or walk as a result. The Fracture of the calcaneus is divided into different degrees of severity. Fractures with joint involvement (intra-articular) heal significantly worse and require surgical treatment. On the other hand, fractures lying outside the joint (extra-articular) can usually conservative can be treated with immobilization and pain medication.
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