A biomechanical model of the foot is developed and analyzed to determine the distribution of support under the metatarsal heads, the tension in the plantar aponeurosis, and the bending moment at each of the joints of the foot. This model is an extension of our earlier work to include the role of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Two cases are presented: in the first the center of gravity of the body is over the mid foot, and in the second, the center of gravity is anterior, over the metatarsals, and no support is provided by the heel. The model shows the extent to which the muscles reduce the force in the supporting ligaments at each of the joints and decrease the tension in the plantar aponeurosis, and that this effect is more pronounced when the center of gravity of the body is moved forward.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
June 2002
Technical Papers
A Biomechanical Model of the Foot: The Role of Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments
Eric P. Salathe,
Eric P. Salathe
Department of Mathematics and Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Mathematical Biology, Lehigh University, 14 E. Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3175
Search for other works by this author on:
G. A. Arangio
G. A. Arangio
Lehigh Valley Hospital, 798 Hausman Road, Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18104
Search for other works by this author on:
Eric P. Salathe
Department of Mathematics and Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Mathematical Biology, Lehigh University, 14 E. Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3175
G. A. Arangio
Lehigh Valley Hospital, 798 Hausman Road, Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18104
Contributed by the Bioengineering Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING. Manuscript received by the Bioengineering Division Sept. 21, 2000; revised manuscript received Dec. 11, 2001. Associate Editor: L. J. Soslowsky.
J Biomech Eng. Jun 2002, 124(3): 281-287 (7 pages)
Published Online: May 21, 2002
Article history
Received:
September 21, 2000
Revised:
December 11, 2001
Online:
May 21, 2002
Citation
Salathe, E. P., and Arangio, G. A. (May 21, 2002). "A Biomechanical Model of the Foot: The Role of Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments ." ASME. J Biomech Eng. June 2002; 124(3): 281–287. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1468865
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Related Articles
Design of an Endoreactor for the Cultivation of a Joint-Like-Structure
J. Med. Devices (June,2009)
Measurements of the Static Friction Coefficient Between Bone and Muscle Tissues
J Biomech Eng (August,2010)
Determination of Passive Moment-Angle Relationships at the Trapeziometacarpal Joint
J Biomech Eng (July,2010)
Primary and Secondary Consequences of Rotator Cuff Injury on Joint Stabilizing Tissues in the Shoulder
J Biomech Eng (November,2017)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Intuitive Optimization
Engineering Optimization: Applications, Methods, and Analysis
Rationale for Human-Powered Vehicle Design and Use
Design of Human Powered Vehicles
Clinical issues and experience
Mechanical Blood Trauma in Circulatory-Assist Devices