What Is Subtalar Joint?
The subtalar joint is present in the foot that connects two important bones, the talus bone and the calcaneus bone. It has a complex anatomy and varies from person to person. Gliding movements occur at this joint. The presence of inflammation or injury in the joint can cause pain and difficulty with movement.
Which Movements Occur at Subtalar Joint?
The subtalar joint allows for two main types of movements, which are:
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Inversion: It is the movement of the foot towards the body's midline or inward. This movement occurs when the ankle is turned, and there is an inward-facing sole of the foot. Inversion at the subtalar joint is vital for maintaining balance and stability on uneven surfaces.
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Eversion: In this movement, the foot is outward or away from the midline of the body. This movement occurs when the ankle is turned so that the foot's sole faces outward. Eversion at the subtalar joint is essential for adapting to uneven surfaces and maintaining balance during weight-bearing activities.
Other than this, the subtalar joint also allows for some degree of rotation. This is important for proper foot and ankle mechanics during gait. However, this rotational movement is less significant than inversion and eversion in terms of its impact on the overall foot and ankle function.
What Are the Functions of Subtalar Joint?
The subtalar joint has many important functions:
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Articulation Between Foot and Leg: This joint serves as an important link between the foot and the leg, allowing for movement and stability in the ankle and foot complex.
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Shock Absorption: The subtalar joint helps to absorb shock during weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, and jumping. The joint allows for a certain amount of movement and flexibility in the foot, which helps to reduce the impact of these activities on the bones, muscles, and other structures in the ankle and foot.
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Stability: The subtalar joint plays an important role in the stability of the ankle and foot. It allows for controlled inward and outward movement of the foot, which helps to maintain balance and prevent injuries such as ankle sprains.
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Propulsion: The subtalar joint is involved in the propulsion phase of gait, which is when the foot pushes off the ground to move forward. During this phase, the subtalar joint helps to transfer the weight of the body from the heel to the ball of the foot.
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Compensation for Ankle Dysfunction: In some cases where there is dysfunction or injury to the ankle joint itself, the subtalar joint can compensate by allowing for increased movement and flexibility. This helps to maintain overall foot and ankle function and reduce the risk of further injury.
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Proprioception: Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense its position and movements in space. The subtalar joint contains sensory receptors that provide feedback to the brain about the position and movement of the foot and ankle. This information is important for maintaining balance and coordination during movement.
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Adaptation to Uneven Terrain: The subtalar joint helps the foot adapt to uneven surfaces by allowing for movement and flexibility. This is important for maintaining balance and stability on rough or uneven terrain.
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Distribution of Forces: The subtalar joint helps to distribute forces across the foot and ankle during weight-bearing activities. By allowing for controlled movement and flexibility, the joint helps to reduce the stress on specific structures in the ankle and foot, such as the bones and tendons.
Overall, the subtalar joint is an important component of the ankle and foot complex, with a range of functions that contribute to normal gait, balance, and stability during weight-bearing activities.
What Are the Causes of the Subtalar Joint Pain?
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Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains are a common cause of subtalar joint pain. When the ankle is sprained, the ligaments that support the subtalar joint can become stretched or torn, leading to pain and instability in the joint.
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Arthritis: It is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Subtalar joint arthritis can result from wear and tear over time or from an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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Tarsal Coalition: Tarsal coalition is a condition where two or more bones in the foot become fused together. This leads to pain and limited mobility in the subtalar joint.
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Subtalar Joint Dislocation: A dislocation of the subtalar joint can occur as a result of trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury. This can cause severe pain and instability in the joint.
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Overuse Injuries: Repetitive strain on the subtalar joint because of some activities such as running or jumping can lead to inflammation and pain in the joint.
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Fractures: Fractures of the talus or calcaneus bones, which form the subtalar joint, can cause pain and instability in the joint.
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Osteochondritis Dissecans: This is a condition where a piece of cartilage and bone becomes detached from the joint surface, leading to pain and limited mobility in the subtalar joint.
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Gout: It is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals accumulation in the joints. Subtalar joint gout can cause severe pain and inflammation in the joint.
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Infections: Infections can cause inflammation and pain in the subtalar joint. This results in a bacterial or fungal infection or as a complication of surgery.
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Nerve Compression: Compression of the nerves that supply the subtalar joint can lead to pain and other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in the foot and ankle.
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Abnormal Foot Mechanics: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, can cause excessive stress on the subtalar joint and lead to pain and instability in the joint.
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Poor Footwear: Wearing shoes with improper fit or inadequate support can also contribute to subtalar joint pain. It is caused by excessive stress on the joint during weight-bearing activities.
Overall, there are many potential causes of subtalar joint pain, and a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
What Are the Treatment Options?
There are a wide number of treatment options available, although it is best to seek professional advice before taking any treatment for joint pain.
Home Remedies:
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Rest: Resting the affected foot and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
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Ice Therapy: Ice therapy on the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Ice can be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and several times per day.
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Compression: Compression with an elastic bandage or wrap can help to reduce swelling and provide support to the affected joint.
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Elevation: Elevating the affected foot above the heart level can help to reduce swelling and promote healing.
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Over-the-counter Pain Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Medical Treatments:
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Physical Therapy: Physical therapy aids in improving the range of motion, strengthening muscles that support the affected joint, and reducing pain and inflammation.
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Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the subtalar joint.
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Orthotics: Orthotic devices such as shoe inserts or custom-made braces can help to support the affected joint and improve foot mechanics.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Prescription-strength NSAIDs can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the subtalar joint.
Surgical Treatments:
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Arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to remove damaged tissue or repair ligaments in the subtalar joint.
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Fusion: Subtalar joint fusion involves permanently fusing the talus and calcaneus bones together to eliminate movement in the joint and reduce pain.
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Joint Replacement: In severe cases of subtalar joint damage, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with an artificial joint.
It is important to note that treatment options will depend on the underlying cause of the subtalar joint pain, as well as individual factors such as age, activity level, and overall health. A healthcare professional can help to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual case.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the subtalar joint may be a small and often overlooked part of the foot, but its importance cannot be understated. Whether one is a ballet dancer or a couch potato, taking care of the subtalar joint is crucial for maintaining a healthy and pain-free foot. Give the feet the love and attention they deserve.
