If you’ve heard the term “proximal phalanx” you might be wondering exactly where that is.
There are so many bones in the foot!
Overview
The proximal phalanx is the phalanx (toe bone) closest to the leg.
Photo © Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M.
What Are Phalanges?
“Phalanges” is the plural form of phalanx.
There are 56 phalanx bones in the human body.
The phalanx bones of the toe are shorter than those in the hand.
This is particularly true of the proximal phalanx.
The sides of the bone are compressed, making the bone narrower at the middle than at the ends.
The base end of the proximal phalanx is concave in shape where it connects to the metatarsal bone.
The head of the proximal phalanx connects to the intermediate phalanx in a trochlear fashion that allows for articulation.
Function and Purpose
The proximal phalanges are critical in allowing the toes to bend properly.
As such, they are important in activities ranging from walking to jumping.
These bones are also important in lateral movements, helping you to navigate irregular surfaces and maintain your balance.
As such, it can be prone to injury.
Here are a few common problems that can be related to or affect the proximal phalanx.
They are quite painful and can make walking difficult.
If untreated, serious fractures can heal incorrectly and cause other foot problems down the line.
Stress fractures of the foot may also occur, those are most often triggered by overuse injuries.
One of the causes of hammertoes can be shoes that are too short.
It is usually associated with problems with foot biomechanics or deformities.
Tenderness and pain when walking are common symptoms.
It can develop as a result of the normal wear-and-tear on the joint.
Sprains and injuries to the foot, abnormal foot biomechanics and deformities can also cause osteoarthritis to develop.
Osteophytes (Bone Spurs)Bone spurs are bony growths or projections that can develop along joints.
They are often associated with osteoarthritis.
They can cause pain and result in limitations to the movement of the joints they affect.
Many foot conditions are much easier to treat when they haven’t become a chronic problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
A stress fracture is an injury due to repetitive actions over time.
There are 14 phalanges in each foot.
The big toe (hallux) has two phalanges called the distal and proximal phalanx bone.
Each of the other toes contain three phalanges.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
OrthoInfo.Toe and Forefoot Fractures.
Arthritis Foundation.Anatomy of the Foot.
Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med.
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine.
New York: Mc Graw Hill Education, 2015.
