Foot · Long bone
Phalanges (Toe Bones)
The phalanges of the foot are the toe bones — 14 in each foot. The big toe has two and each other toe has three; they help with balance and pushing off when walking.
What it is
The foot phalanges are the small bones of the toes: two in the big toe and three in each of the other toes.
Where it is
The toes.
What it does
Help with balance, grip and the push-off phase of walking and running.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Joints with the metatarsals and between the toe bones
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Broken toe (a common, usually minor, injury)
- Ingrown toenail affects the tissue around the big-toe phalanx
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
Like the thumb, the big toe has only two bones, while the other toes have three.
Answers
Phalanges: frequently asked questions
How many bones are in the toes?
Each foot has 14 toe bones (phalanges): two in the big toe and three in each of the other toes.
Explore the foot
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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