Lower leg: The lower leg is the bottom segment of the leg: the part below the knee. The lower leg contains two long bones. The larger of these two bones is the tibia, the smaller one the fibula. The tibia is familiarly known as the shinbone. "Tibia" is a Latin word meaning both shinbone and flute.
What are the four bones called in your lower leg?
Lower portion of a human skeleton. Leg bones are the bones found in the leg. These can include the following: Femur – The bone in the thigh. Patella – The knee cap. Tibia – The shin bone, the larger of the two leg bones located below the knee cap. Fibula – The smaller of the two leg bones located below the knee cap.
What are the names of the bones in the lower leg?
The lower leg contains two long bones. The larger of these two bones is the tibia, the smaller one the fibula. The tibia is familiarly known as the shinbone. "Tibia" is a Latin word meaning both shinbone and flute.
How many bones are there in lower leg?
There are 30 different bones present in our lower limb, i.e., legs. The 30 different bones are, patella, femur, fibula, tibia, metatarsal, tarsal bones, and the phalanges bones. The leg bone comprises long bones and short bones, especially sesamoid bones.
Which lower leg bone does not carry any body weight?
The fibula is the slender bone of the lateral side of the leg and does not bear weight. The proximal end of the tibia is greatly expanded. The two sides of this expansion form the medial condyle of the tibia and the lateral condyle of the tibia. The tibia does not have epicondyles.
Why are there 2 bones in the lower leg?
It comprises two bones: the tibia and the fibula. The role of these two bones is to provide stability and support to the rest of the body, and through articulations with the femur and foot/ankle and the muscles attached to these bones, provide mobility and the ability to ambulate in an upright position.
What are the 3 major bones in the leg?
The bones of the human leg, like those of other mammals, consist of a basal segment, the femur (thighbone); an intermediate segment, the tibia (shinbone) and the smaller fibula; and a distal segment, the pes (foot), consisting of tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges (toes).
What are the names of the 4 bones in your legs?
Four bones make up the leg:Femur.Tibia.Fibula.Patella.
What is the biggest bone in the lower leg?
tibiaThe tibia is the larger, weight-bearing bone located on the medial side of the leg, and the fibula is the thin bone of the lateral leg.
What bone is hardest to break?
The thigh bone is called a femur and not only is it the strongest bone in the body, it is also the longest. Because the femur is so strong, it takes a large force to break or fracture it – usually a car accident or a fall from high up.
What is the bone below the knee called?
Tibia. The tibia is the lower leg bone. Also called the shin bone, it is the second longest bone of the body, and is located below the knee. Fibula. The fibula is the thin bone located on the outside of the tibia.
Can you break your fibula and still walk?
Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula's role in ankle stability.
What is the hip bone called?
os coxaeThe adult os coxae, or hip bone, is formed by the fusion of the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis, which occurs by the end of the teenage years. The 2 hip bones form the bony pelvis, along with the sacrum and the coccyx, and are united anteriorly by the pubic symphysis.
What is the big bone in your leg called?
femurThe lower leg is comprised of two bones, the tibia and the smaller fibula. The thigh bone, or femur, is the large upper leg bone that connects the lower leg bones (knee joint) to the pelvic bone (hip joint).
Can you walk without fibula bone?
In the long term removing the fibular bone should produce no problems in walking. You will be on bed rest for a day or two after surgery. Soon after this hopefully you will be sitting out in a chair. With the help of physiotherapists you will start to walk at the end of the first week.
What is the weakest bone in human body?
clavicleThe weakest and softest bone in the human is the clavicle or collar bone. Because it is a tiny bone which runs horizontally across your breastbone & collarbone, it is simple to shatter.
Can you walk on a fractured tibia?
Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin. Walking on a fractured tibia is also likely to be extremely painful.
What is the main bone in your leg?
Overview. The lower leg is comprised of two bones, the tibia and the smaller fibula. The thigh bone, or femur, is the large upper leg bone that connects the lower leg bones (knee joint) to the pelvic bone (hip joint).
Can you break your fibula and still walk?
Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula's role in ankle stability.
Can you break your tibia and still walk?
Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin. Walking on a fractured tibia is also likely to be extremely painful.
How long does a broken fibula take to heal?
It and the tibia, the larger bone, therefore, support all of your weight when standing. Because of this and unlike other types of injuries and conditions, a broken fibula usually requires six weeks to three months before patients are able to return to their normal routine.
How many bones are there in the lower limb?
The lower limb contains 30 bones. These are the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges (see [link] ). The femur is the single bone of the thigh. The patella is the kneecap and articulates with the distal femur.
What is the thigh of the lower limb?
Like the upper limb, the lower limb is divided into three regions. The thigh is that portion of the lower limb located between the hip joint and knee joint. The leg is specifically the region between the knee joint and the ankle joint. Distal to the ankle is the foot. The lower limb contains 30 bones.
What is the longest bone in the body?
The femur , or thigh bone, is the single bone of the thigh region ( [link] ). It is the longest and strongest bone of the body, and accounts for approximately one-quarter of a person’s total height. The rounded, proximal end is the head of the femur , which articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. The fovea capitis is a minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head that serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This ligament spans the femur and acetabulum, but is weak and provides little support for the hip joint. It does, however, carry an important artery that supplies the head of the femur.
How many bones are there in the foot?
The bones of the foot are divided into three groups. The posterior foot is formed by the seven tarsal bones. The mid-foot has the five metatarsal bones. The toes contain the phalanges.
Which condyle articulates with the tibia to form the knee joint?
The lateral and medial condyles articulate with the tibia to form the knee joint.
Which bone is the head of the femur?
It does, however, carry an important artery that supplies the head of the femur. Femur and Patella. The femur is the single bone of the thigh region. It articulates superiorly with the hip bone at the hip joint, and inferiorly with the tibia at the knee joint.
How many bones are in the posterior portion of the foot?
The posterior portion of the foot is formed by a group of seven bones, each of which is known as a tarsal bone, whereas the mid-foot contains five elongated bones, each of which is a metatarsal bone. The toes contain 14 small bones, each of which is a phalanx bone of the foot.
Which bone is the smaller bone on the lower leg?
is the smaller, thinner bone of the lower leg. It is on the lateral side of either leg, meaning it is away from the middle of the body on each side. The head of the fibula attaches to the head of the tibia and does not make up part of the knee joint. The base of the fibula forms part of the outer ankle.
What is the anatomy of the lower leg?
Lower leg anatomy: Bones, muscles, and nerves. The lower leg is a part of the lower extremity, or leg. The lower leg lies between the knee and ankle and works with the upper leg and foot to help perform the key functions of the leg. There are a number of bones, muscles, and tendons in the area.
What is the tibialis posterior?
Tibialis posterior. The tibialis posterior. Trusted Source. is a muscle deep in the back of the leg. It begins at the rear side of the tibia and fibula and stretches along the leg to connect at the navicular and cuneiform bones in the foot. The tibialis posterior is a stabilizing muscle for the leg.
What is the major tendon in the lower leg?
The major tendon in the lower leg is the calcaneal tendon, or Achilles tendon.
Which nerve innervates the side of the leg?
It branches out to become the superficial fibular nerve and deep fibular nerve. The superficial fibular nerve innervates the side of the leg, while the deep fibular nerve innervates the leg’s front part.
Where is the plantaris muscle located?
Plantaris. The plantaris is a small muscle in the back of the leg, originating above the back of the knee, with a muscle area in the back of the knee. It has a long, thin tendon running down the middle of the leg to connect with the Achilles tendon and heel bone. However, the plantaris muscle is not always there.
What is the body part of the lower extremity?
Legs are the limbs on which a person or animal walks and stands. The lower leg forms part of the lower extremity. This refers to the body from the hip down. It consists of a few core regions, including the:
What is the calf bone?
It is also known as the calf bone, as it sits slightly behind the tibia on the outside of the leg. The fibula is connected via ligaments to the two ends of the tibia. The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is at the center of the knee. It aids in knee extension and protects the joint.
What are the bones of the foot called?
These make up the ankle and upper portion of the foot. The seven tarsal bones are: Calcaneus: The largest bone of the foot, it is commonly referred to as the heel of the foot. Talus: This bone creates the lower portion of the ankle joint.
What are the 3 bones of the big toe?
The three toe bones include the distal phalanges at the tip, middle phalanges, and proximal phalanges closest to the metatarsals . The big toes don’t have middle phalanges. Last medically reviewed on March 30, 2015.
What is the second largest bone in the human body?
Bones. The femur, or thighbone, is the longest and largest bone in the human body. At its top, it helps create the ball-and-socket joint of the hip; its lower end helps create the knee joint. The second largest bone in body is the tibia, also called the shinbone.
Where is the cuboid bone located?
Cuboid: This multisurface bone sits on the outside of the foot near the fifth phalange (little toe). Cuneiforms: These three small bones are closest to the five metatarsal bones. They sit in a row beginning at the inside of the foot and end at the cuboid.
Which bone is the second largest?
The second largest bone in body is the tibia, also called the shinbone. This long bone connects with the knee at one end and the ankle at the other. Next to the tibia is the fibula, the thinner, weaker bone of the lower leg.
How many metatarsal bones are there in the foot?
The five metatarsal bones in each foot create the body of the foot. Numbered one through five, the bone that sits behind the big toe is No. 1 and the one behind the little toe is No. 5.
Which bones are in the lower leg?
The lower leg bones include the tibia and the fibula in each leg. They are about the same length, but the fibula is thinner than the tibia. This relates to their functions. The tibia, as it is thicker, bears a human's body weight and relays it to the ankles and feet. The fibula functions to provide support for the tibia.
Which of the two bones in the lower leg supports the body?
Tibia: the larger of the two bones in the lower leg, which supports the body.
How many bones are there in the foot?
The foot consists of multiple bones. These are known as the tarsal bones, the metatarsal bones, and the phalanges. There are seven tarsal bones in each foot, five long metatarsals in each foot, and fourteen total phalanges in each foot as well.
How many phalanges are there in each foot?
The bones of the toes are known as the phalanges. The singular form is known as a phalanx. There are fourteen total phalanges in each foot. Each big toe has 2 phalanges that are connected end to end, while the four smaller toes each have 3.
Where are the metatarsals located?
The metatarsals are five long bones in the foot situated between the tarsal bones of the ankle and the phalanges of the toes. They are not named, but they are numbered starting from the innermost bone, called the first metacarpal or metacarpal I, to the outermost, called the fifth metacarpal or metacarpal V.
What is the only bone in the human leg?
The femur is the only bone in the human upper leg. In adults, it is approximately 48 cm or 19 inches in length and about 1 inch in diameter. The top (or superior part) of the femur attaches to the acetabulum or hip bone socket, and the bottom (or inferior part) attaches to the patella or knee bone. The trochanter is the bone at the superior (or top) part of the femur where it attaches to the hip socket. It is the site of attachment for many muscles and tendons.
Which bones articulate with the patella?
Inferiorly, both of those bones articulate with the ankle bones.
What is the lower leg?
The lower leg consists of muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, blood vessels, and nerves. Damage or irritation to any of these structures can lead to lower leg pain. As pain is the body's way of telling you something is wrong and it needs to heal, it is wise to pay attention to this pain rather than "fight through it."
How to help lower leg pain?
Several treatments can be tried at home to soothe lower leg pain. The first four methods can be remembered with the mnemonic RICE. Rest: Most minor injuries will improve with time and rest as the body heals itself. Ice: Cold packs can diminish inflammation of aggravated tissues, alleviating some pain.
What are the symptoms of a calf injury?
Top Symptoms: lower leg numbness, calf pain from overuse. Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the calf: calf pain from overuse. Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the calf: recent calf injury, severe calf pain. Urgency: Self-treatment.
What causes pain in the lower leg at night?
Vascular disease: If you experience pain or cramping with exercise or at night in your lower legs, you may have vascular disease. This is seen most commonly in smokers and diabetics.
What is a calf strain?
Calf strain. A strain, commonly called a "pulled muscle," is when a muscle becomes overstretched, and microscopic tears occur. A calf strain happens when one of the muscles on the back of the lower leg is pulled. Rarity: Common. Top Symptoms: pain in one calf, moderate calf pain, calf pain, sports injury, soccer injury.
Why does my lower leg hurt?
Infectious causes. Infection-related causes of lower leg pain may include the following. Tissue infection: Infection of the skin or soft tissues of the lower leg can cause localized pain, usually irritated by touch.
Why do we need legs?
We need our legs for a lot of the activities of daily living and, for the most part, we take them for granted. It is not until you are having lower leg pain that you realize just how important your calves are for ambulation. The lower leg consists of muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, blood vessels, and nerves.
What causes pain in the lower leg?
Common types of tendonitis that would cause lower leg pain around the ankle area are Achilles tendonitis and posterior tibial tendonitis . 3 . Symptoms. Tendonitis causes pain that increases with activity or stretching of the affected tendon.
What is the name of the condition where the nerves travel from the lower back to the lower leg?
Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. Lumbosacral radiculopathy (often called sciatica) refers to compression or irritation of one or more of the nerves that travels from your lower spine to your leg. Symptoms. Lumbosacral radiculopathy causes an electric or shock-like pain in the lower back, buttocks, and/or down the leg.
How long do cramps last in the lower leg?
Keep in mind, while muscle cramps in the lower leg can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, muscle soreness may continue for days. Causes.
Why does my lower leg hurt?
There are numerous potential causes for lower leg pain ranging from benign, mild muscle strains and cramps to more serious conditions, like blocked blood vessels. In the end, while knowledge is a powerful tool, be sure to get your lower leg pain evaluated by a doctor.
Why is blood flow to the leg compromised?
With peripheral artery disease (PAD), blood flow to the leg is compromised because of narrowing of one or more leg arteries.
What does it mean when your calf pops?
A sudden pain and/or "pop" at the back of your calf or heel indicates a potential Achilles tendon tear or rupture. In this case, be sure to seek medical attention right away.
What causes leg pain and tear?
A strain is a common cause of leg pain and results from an overstretching of a muscle that sometimes leads to a tear. The gastrocnemius muscle of the calf is a common area for strains and tears.
How to improve circulation in legs?
How to Improve Circulation. The lower parts of your legs take the brunt of your day-to-day life. You shouldn’t have to be in pain, though. Medical treatments can help if your doctor says you have a condition like leg cramps, blood clots, or issues with the nerves. But you can do things at home that help, too.
What to do if your leg hurts?
Rest your legs to feel better. Ice helps. So can anti-inflammatory meds such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, if your doctor says these are safe for you. You can buy them over the counter. You might want to see your doctor if the pain stays. Try not to do anything that makes your leg hurt more.
How to get rid of leg cramps?
It happens when your muscles are tired or dehydrated. Drink more water if you're prone to leg cramps. It might help to gently stretch or massage the area where your muscle has tensed up. Stretch your legs properly before you exercise, too.
How to stop a swollen leg from hurting?
Apply ice to get some relief. Or take anti-inflammatories if your doctor says they're okay for you. Avoid doing anything that causes pain. When it hurts less, stretch and strengthen your leg.
Where do blood clots occur?
Most deep-vein blood clots happen in the lower leg or thigh. They're more likely to happen if you're inactive for long periods, like on a long flight or car ride. You're also at risk if you're overweight, or you smoke, or take certain medications.
Does rest help sciatica?
Rest is often the cure for other pains of the leg, but not this one. It doesn’t help sciatica. Treatment may involve resting for a few days, along with taking anti-inflammatories and pain medications. Cold and heat can help with some symptoms.
