The anatomy of the foot is complex and intimately related to its function. The basic functions of the foot include stability and load bearing, balance, propulsion, shock absorption and interface with the environment. The foot has to be rigid, flexible, durable and sensitive to accommodate the complex functional requirements of activities of daily living.

The hindfoot consists of the subtalar joint. It forms the stable foundation on which the foot is supported, and allows side-to-side motion of the foot. The midfoot, with its two rows of tarsal bones, articulates on the hindfoot through the transtarsal joints. The forefoot begins just distal to the midfoot joint complexes and includes the ball of the foot and the toes.

The ankle joint is composed of three bones. The tibia forms the inside of the ankle; the fibula forms the outside of the ankle; and the talus sits underneath the tibia and fibula. The ankle bones are connected by ligaments. The tibiofibular ligaments connect the lower end of the tibia and fibula. The lateral ligaments attach the fibula to the talus and the calcaneus. The deltoid ligament connects the tibia to the talus and calcaneus on the inside of the ankle. A layer of cartilage covers the ends of the bones within the ankle joint. There are multiple muscles and tendons surrounding the ankle joint to provide joint protection and motion.