Specific Area of the Metatarsal Region

Description

Dorsal foot anatomy is centered on the metatarsus, with the shafts and heads of the first through fifth metatarsals lying distal to the tarsus and proximal to the proximal phalanges. Blue kinesiology tape crosses the anterior ankle region near the extensor retinaculum and continues distally over the instep, where the extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus tendons course superficially toward the hallux and lesser toes. Along the dorsum, the dorsalis pedis artery and the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve run between the extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus tendons, while the superficial fibular nerve branches spread more laterally across the dorsal midfoot. Taping in this orientation is commonly applied to offload the metatarsal heads and to cue midfoot control during gait, a practical consideration in metatarsalgia, lesser-toe extensor overuse, and dorsal midfoot pain after increased activity. It also frames key surface landmarks for the Lisfranc (tarsometatarsal) complex, where sprains and subtle instability can present with dorsal tenderness and pain with forefoot abduction or torsion. Placement near the anterior ankle highlights where tight taping can irritate the superficial fibular nerve or restrict tendon glide beneath the extensor retinacula. Pain patterns matter. Educators can drop this figure directly into lower-limb anatomy labs to reinforce dorsal metatarsal relationships, or into sports medicine and physical therapy coursework when teaching kinesiology taping rationale and contraindications on darker skin tones. Publishers will find it suitable for patient handouts on metatarsal region support, clinic posters explaining dorsal foot landmarks, and chapters addressing forefoot load management in runners. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.