What Is the Heel Made of and What Is Its Purpose?

The heel is an important part of the foot that enables one to stand, balance, walk, run and jump. The unmistakable shape of the heel makes it easy to locate. You may know what the heel is and all the foot problems like bone spurs and calluses.

The heel, like the other components of the foot are intricately connected with a complex network of tendons, nerves, veins, joints and bones. The most recognizable portion of the bone is the heel bone, which is also called the tuber calcanei. This large bone protects the inside if the heel, provides structure for the foot and helps absorb the pressure on the foot when walking, running and jumping.

On either side of the tuber calcanei bone are two muscles, called the abductor hallucis and abductor digit minimi. These muscles enable one to flex the big toe and the small toe. The starting point of the Achilles tendon is also attached to the heel. The Achilles tendon contains a group of muscles, including the tricepts surae and the gastrocnemius. The triceps surae enables one to stretch the foot downward. Another, long, slender muscle called the slight plantaris. The Achilles tendon connects the foot to the calf muscle via the ankle.

Heel Function

The function of the heel was briefly mentioned earlier, but now a more detailed description of the heel's function will be discussed. The size, shape and location of the heel shapes the area of the center of the foot, called the arch. The proper shape of the arch enables the force and pressure from the foot hitting the ground to be evenly distributed along the foot so no part of the foot gets damaged or worn from excessive impact. The heel also helps the foot to stabilize on uneven ground.