At midstance or heel rise, the subtalar joint reaches approximately what position?

At midstance or heel rise, the subtalar joint reaches approximately what position?

• A. 6° inversion
• B. 10° inversion
• C. 2° eversion
• D. 15° eversion

Answer: (C)

In stance, the hindfoot naturally undergoes a small amount of pronation to absorb impact. The subtalar joint sits near neutral but with a slight eversion during midstance, about 2 degrees. This tiny eversion provides just enough mobility to adapt to the ground and prepare the foot for the next phase of gait without sacrificing stability. Larger angles—such as 6° inversion or 10° inversion—would indicate a more inverted (supinated) position, which isn’t typical for midstance. A large eversion like 15° would reflect excessive pronation, not the normal midstance position. As you move toward heel rise, the foot tends to move toward inversion to create a rigid lever for propulsion, so the small eversion value at midstance is the standard reference. Therefore, the subtalar joint is about 2° eversion at midstance or heel rise.

In stance, the hindfoot naturally undergoes a small amount of pronation to absorb impact. The subtalar joint sits near neutral but with a slight eversion during midstance, about 2 degrees. This tiny eversion provides just enough mobility to adapt to the ground and prepare the foot for the next phase of gait without sacrificing stability. Larger angles—such as 6° inversion or 10° inversion—would indicate a more inverted (supinated) position, which isn’t typical for midstance. A large eversion like 15° would reflect excessive pronation, not the normal midstance position. As you move toward heel rise, the foot tends to move toward inversion to create a rigid lever for propulsion, so the small eversion value at midstance is the standard reference. Therefore, the subtalar joint is about 2° eversion at midstance or heel rise.