Foot Health Print Hindfoot or Rearfoot Movements Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Lyle T. Modlin, DPM on November 18, 2019 Lyle T. Modlin, DPM is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and has been in practice for over 30 years. Learn about our Medical Review Board Lyle T. Modlin, DPM on November 18, 2019 Written by Written by Terence Vanderheiden, DPM Terence Vanderheiden, DPM, is a podiatrist in Massachusetts with a subspecialty in the area of podiatric sports medicine. Learn about our editorial policy Terence Vanderheiden, DPM Foot with the rearfoot bones outlined and labeled. Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M. More in Foot Health Healthy Foot Care Bunions Joint & Ligament Issues Skin Problems Heel Pain Toenail Problems The hindfoot sometimes referred to as the rearfoot, is the posterior region of the human foot. This area includes the talus and calcaneus bones; the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the posterior of the foot; and the subtalar and talocrural (ankle) joints. Structure of the Rearfoot The rearfoot contains the largest bones of the foot, as well as the lowest number of bones. The two bones in the rearfoot are the talus, otherwise known as the ankle bone, and the calcaneus, or the heel bone. The talocrural joint is otherwise known as the ankle joint. It is located between the talus and the tibia and fibula of the lower leg. It is a "hinge" joint that allows the foot to tilt up or forward (called dorsiflexion), and back or downward (called plantarflexion). The subtalar joint is located between the calcaneus and the talus and allows the foot to roll the foot side to side turning the sole of the foot inward or outward (inversion and eversion). These movements are often referred to as pronation in the context of walking and running. The term "foot strike" describes the slight inward rolling motion the foot makes as it hits the ground during a normal walking or running stride. Overpronation and Supination Common conditions that occur in the rearfoot can result in what is commonly called "overpronation" or "supination" (or underpronation). These abnormalities cause the foot to invert or evert—or "tilt" inward or outward at the ankle—when the rearfoot bears weight. This is observed in a person's gait. These are generally congenital abnormalities, but are not usually observed at birth; however as a child develops, the deformity becomes more apparent. Supination and overpronation are quite common and are not normally serious, but they can cause pain in the feet, legs, knees, hips or back. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Continue Reading