title: Biomechanics of the foot and ankle.
abstract: The human foot evolved to provide: (1) mechanisms to limit the excursion of the center of mass during ambulation and thereby minimize the expenditure of energy; (2) a base of support of sufficien dimensions for the stability necessary to maintain the upright position without excessive muscular activity; (3) mechanisms for flexibility to absorb the shock of the body weight and for accommodation to uneven terrain; (4) rigidity of the foot when it acts as a lever in the push-off period of stance.
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001835:Body Weight; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000502:physiology; D005205:Fascia / Q000502:physiology; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D013628:Talus / Q000502:physiology; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000502:physiology