Forefoot

fore·​foot
/ˈfȯr-ˌfu̇t/
noun

– the front part of the human foot. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forefoot)

The foot is a complex structure made up of over 26 bones, 30 joints, and numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles that enable us to stand upright, support the body’s weight, and facilitate bipedal movement.

The forefoot, or the anterior part of the foot, consists of five toes (phalanges), the ball of the foot (hallucial eminence) which is the padded area beneath the heads of the metatarsal bones, and five long bones (metatarsus) that extend toward the midfoot. The midfoot is composed of five tarsal bones: the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones, which connect to the ankle.

Muscles in the foot are attached to the bones via tendons, allowing the forefoot to splay upon contact with the ground or any surface we step on. This intricate anatomy enables the foot to provide better support on uneven terrain, maintain balance on slippery surfaces, and adapt to variations in movement.