Talocrural and Subtalar Joints: Clinical Application

Understanding hindfoot mechanics is tough! Unlike the shoulder or knee joint, the multiple joints in the foot and ankle complex do not follow standard concave/convex arthrokinematic patterns. Additionally, the complex mechanics change whether or not the individual is in an open or closed kinetic chain. For example, movement at the subtalar joint consists of the triplanar motions of pronation and supination. 

• Open-chain pronation: dorsiflexion, eversion, and abduction of the calcaneous
• Open-chain supination: plantarflexion, inversion, and adduction of the calcaneous
• Closed-chain pronation: calcaneal eversion with plantarflexion and adduction
• Closed-chain supination: calcaneal inversion with dorsiflexion and abduction

For this reason, foot and ankle mechanics are difficult to comprehend!  In this post, I will review hindfoot mechanics of the talocrural and subtalar joints. Additionally, I have included a clinical application video explaining how I incorporate these mechanics in practice! 

Talocrural Joint

The foot and ankle consists of 26 bones and 100 distinct muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The rearfoot (a.k.a hindfoot) primarily refers to the talus and calcaneus bones of the foot. The talus articulates with FOUR seperate bones- the tibia, fibula, calcaneus, and navicular bones. The superior articulation between the talus and tibia/fibula is known as the talocrural joint. The talocrural joint is a uniaxial synovial joint connecting the distal tibia to the talus. While many people view the talocrural joint as only a hinge joint, others authors argue that it is more complex due to the composite internal and external rotation that occurs during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion respectively. For the purpose of this post, the primary movements at the talocrural joint are plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. The average individual has approximately 15-20 degrees of dorsiflexion and 50 degrees of plantarflexion. These motions are often limited due to inadequate stress and load through the joint.   

---

Subtalar Joint

The subtalar joint (a.k.a. talocalcaneal joint) is comprised of the talus and calcaneus bones.​ As described in the introduction, the primary motion at the subtalar joint is pronation and supination. However, pronation and supination are not simple movements- both consist of 3 distinct movements, which changes depending on the foot's location to the ground. During ambulation, closed chain pronation must occur during the stance phase. This motion consists of calcaneal eversion combined with talus adduction and plantarflexion. This is described nicely in a post from the Gait Guys, "In a perfect biomechanical world, shortly following initial contact with the ground, the calcaneus should evert 4-8 degrees, largely because the body of the calcaneus is lateral to the longitudinal axis of the tibia. This results in plantar flexion, adduction and eversion of the talus on the calcaneus, as it slides anteriorly. At this point, there should be dorsiflexion of the transverse tarsal (calcaneo-cuboid and talo-navicular joints). Due to the tight fit of the ankle mortise and its unique shape, the tibial rotates internally (medially). This translates up the kinetic chain and causes internal rotation of the femur, which causes subsequent nutation of the pelvis and extension of the lumbar spine. [Citation: Gait Guys]" 

The subtalar joint must have adequate mobility to allow for proper structure of the arch. When motion is restricted, mobility issues often arise in the midfoot or at the talocrural joint as a compensatory strategy (see treatment video below). 

---

​Hindfoot Mechanics:
​Animated Video Description
This video provides an in-depth understanding of the talocrural and subtalar joints in a 3-dimensional fashion.

---

Hindfoot Mobility: Foot Assessment and Interventions

The human body must be able to adapt to all types of surfaces- hard, soft, even, and uneven.  For this reason, we cannot solely look at one joint or one motion. As human beings we must perform all motions in harmony. ​While each of these movements may not have an impact on one's pain, understanding the kinematics can help with clinical reasoning and decision making! 

In the video below, I discuss variations in rearfoot posture, the impact on foot mobility, and how I incorporate these variations into my treatment. [this video comes from our insider access library!]

---

Interested in Learning More?
Check out our Cervical and Lumbar Courses!