What is the heel made of and what is its purpose?
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 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 to the foot, and helps absorb pressure on the foot when walking, running, and jumping.
On each side of the calcaneal tuber bone are two muscles, called the abductor hallucis and the abductor digit minimi. These muscles allow the big toe and big toe to flex. 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 sural triceps allows the foot to be stretched downward. Another long, thin muscle called the plantar light. 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 shape the area in the center of the foot, called the arch. The 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 down by excessive impact. The heel also helps the foot stabilize on uneven terrain.
The soles of your feet take a lot of impact and wear 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, the use of the feet would be difficult and potentially painful.
Force distribution
The forces exerted on the feet are distributed in five ways: three along the medial part of the foot (on the side of the big toe) and two along the lateral side (on the side of the little toe). The medial force distribution travels through the navicular and cuneiform bones to the ankle bone. The lateral distribution passes through the cuboid and heel bones.
The combination of the ankle and heel bones working to absorb pressure, the heel becomes the posterior fulcrum that bears the brunt of impact and pressure. The balls of the large and small fingers are the front fulcrum that takes the other half of the majority 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 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 such as walking. A podiatrist can help properly diagnose and treat serious, acute, and chronic foot problems.