soleus muscles of the foot

Bones and Ligaments of the Foot
The arch of the foot can be thought of as a system of five arches, each emanating from the calcaneus tuberosity and going forward to the head of the corresponding metatarsal bone. The arch of the foot is higher on the inside of the foot and lower on the outside. This is also easy to see when looking at the sole of the foot. The outer part of the foot provides support when standing and walking, while the inner part springs back when you move. Therefore, the outer part of the longitudinal arch of the foot (formed by the arches up to the 4th and 5th toe) is called the supporting arch and the inner part (arches I-III) is called the spring arch.

Table of contents

What is ichthyol ointment prescribed for?
How does the medicine affect the body?
structure of the foot
Foot and Hand: Similarities and Structural Features

What is ichthyol ointment prescribed for?

The drug is conveniently applied to the skin and used in inflammatory conditions. The active substance easily penetrates the epidermis and slightly irritates the nerve endings. This improves blood circulation and increases the supply of nutrients to the affected area.

Among the most important indications where Ichthammol ointment is used.:

purulent dermatitis;
Complex treatment of thermal burns, effects of hypothermia;
eczema;
purulent boils;
furunculosis;
neuralgia of a traumatic or inflammatory nature;
chronic arthritis.

Under the supervision of a doctor, it is widely used in the treatment of gynecological diseases and inflammatory pathologies of the genitourinary system:

The active ingredient contained in the formulation has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which is why the ointment is often used to treat juvenile acne. It accelerates the maturation of pustules, reduces the risk of scarring and acne vulgaris.

How does the medicine affect the body?

The drug is based on the active substance ichthamol. It is an ichthamol product that is obtained from toothed crown bitumen. It contains fossil remains of fish and gives the ointment a specific, pungent smell and a characteristic dark hue.

The natural basis makes the product useful in many diseases associated with the activity of pathogenic microflora, harmful bacteria and microorganisms. The active substance easily penetrates the subcutaneous layer and acts on the mucous membranes. Main therapeutic properties of Ichthyol ointment:

analgesic. After penetrating into the deep layer of inflamed muscle fibers, ichthyol triggers the active production of enzymes that block the action of inflammatory mediators. The amount of prostaglandins is reduced and the intensity of pain, burning and tingling in the area where the abscess has formed is reduced.
antibacterial effect. The active substance effectively destroys various types of bacteria that cause rashes, acne and furunculosis. Ichthammol ointment can be used in the complex treatment of skin lesions with Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci.
Antifungal effect. Ichthammol inhibits the growth and activity of various dermatophytes and disrupts the process of division of Candida and Onychomycosis fungi. Therefore, the product can be used to treat onychomycosis of the nails and skin.

At the same time, when applied externally, Ichthamomol causes denaturation of protein molecules. This will accelerate the maturation of pus and help get rid of painful boils, carbuncles and pimples faster. The subcutaneous layer improves tissue trophism, reduces nerve sensitivity, relieves burning, itching, discomfort and local temperature.

structure of the foot

The skeleton of the foot is divided into three parts: the tarsal bones, the metatarsal bones and the toes.

structure of the tarsus
The tarsal consists of 7 strong bones arranged in 2 rows. The back row consists of the relatively large metatarsal and talus bones; the front row consists of the scaphoid, cuboid, and three sphenoid bones. Each of these bones has articular surfaces for connection with neighboring bones. The talar bone connects to the tibia at the top, to the heel bone at the bottom, and to the heel bone at the front. The largest metacarpal is elongated and thickened at the back, forming a cusp of the heel bone that provides support when standing and the attachment point for a strong muscle tendon (Achilles tendon of the triceps muscle). The navicular bone occupies a central position in the tarsal bone and is connected to all bones except the calcaneus. The navicular bones are arranged in a row in front of the calcaneus. The elbow bone is located on the outside edge of the foot and articulates posteriorly with the calcaneus and anteriorly with the 4th and 5th

structure of the tarsus
The metatarsal consists of 5 short tubular bones, with I being the thickest and II being the longest. Each metatarsal has a base that rests on the tarsus, a head that connects to the main phalanx of the corresponding toe, and a tubular body. At the base of the V metatarsal (on the little toe side) is a tubercle that can be easily palpated through the skin.

structure of the toes
The toes have 3 phalanges, except for the first toe (thumb) which has 2 phalanges. All phalanges, especially the middle phalanges, are greatly shortened, and on the V finger the median phalanges are often fused with the nail phalanges.

Foot and Hand: Similarities and Structural Features

The foot shares many structural similarities with the hand, since both evolved from the homologous fore and hind limbs of lower vertebrates. In the course of evolution, however, the hand became free to carry out work movements, while the foot remained the organ of support and movement in space. Functional differences led to peculiarities in the structure. The massive tarsal bones and short toes distinguish the foot from the hand with its long toes and narrow wrist. Among the joints of the hand there are many mobile joints that are not found in the foot. The thumb joints of the hand are particularly mobile and allow them to grasp objects. In great apes, the foot, like the hand, has the ability to grasp. This ability is only lost in humans and the foot acquires a curved structure.

The foot is connected to the shins by a movable ankle. The tibia bones (internal tibia and external fibula) form a bifurcation that encloses the hip block thanks to the projecting knuckles. The movement of the ankle occurs about a transverse axis: flexion, in which the toe goes down, and extension, in which the toe goes up and approaches the tibia. These movements are also sometimes referred to as plantar flexion and dorsiflexion.

The ligaments that strengthen the ankle are located on the sides of the joint. Its fibers fan out from the ankle to the scapula, talus, and heel bone. It is not uncommon for the ligaments in the joint to dislocate. This occurs when plantar flexion is accompanied by lowering of the outer edge of the foot. In this case, the narrower back part of the ankle bone gets caught in the groove between the ankles, which becomes unstable and leads to sideways movement - the leg is twisted. The lateral collateral ligament can become torn and sometimes even tear off portions of the ankle where the ligament attaches.