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Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Foot Ulcer01:31

Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes01:28

Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes

The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
Ankle Joint01:10

Ankle Joint

The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
Pulse Assessment Sites01:11

Pulse Assessment Sites

Pulse assessment sites are crucial in evaluating a patient's cardiovascular health. By assessing the pulsations of arteries at specific anatomical locations, healthcare professionals can gather valuable information about blood flow, heart rate, and peripheral circulation. Understanding these pulse assessment sites is essential for conducting comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations and monitoring patients' overall health. These sites are strategically chosen due to the accessibility and...
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula01:10

Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula

The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
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Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
06:35

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running

Published on: September 14, 2017

Forefoot injuries in dancers.

Victor R Prisk1, Padhraig F O'Loughlin, John G Kennedy

  • 1Foot and Ankle Department, Hospital for Special Surgery, 523 East 72nd Street, Suite 514, New York, NY 10021, USA.

Clinics in Sports Medicine
|March 19, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Ballet dancers experience extreme forces on their feet, especially in the en pointe position. This high-impact activity leads to a significant risk of foot and metatarsal injuries in dancers.

Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Biomechanics
  • Dance Science

Background:

  • Ballet dancers are both artists and athletes, requiring extraordinary physical capabilities.
  • Dance, especially ballet, places immense stress on the body, particularly the forefoot.
  • High lifetime injury incidence (up to 90%) is reported in dancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the biomechanical demands placed on ballet dancers.
  • To emphasize the specific stresses on the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot during en pointe work.
  • To underscore the extraordinary forces experienced by the toes and metatarsals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of biomechanical principles in dance.
  • Analysis of the physiological demands of ballet positions.

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Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
08:25

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

Published on: March 11, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
06:35

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running

Published on: September 14, 2017

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
08:25

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

Published on: March 11, 2022

  • Examination of injury incidence data in dance populations.

    • Main Results:

    • The en pointe position requires maximal plantarflexion, demanding exceptional flexibility and strength.
    • Ballet training leads to significant adaptations for safe execution of demanding positions.
    • Extraordinary forces are concentrated on the toes and metatarsals during en pointe maneuvers.

    Conclusions:

    • Ballet's en pointe position places extreme biomechanical stress on the dancer's forefoot.
    • Years of specialized training are essential to safely manage these forces.
    • Understanding these forces is crucial for injury prevention in ballet dancers.