What anatomical structure does a Thomas heel support?

The Thomas heel is designed specifically to provide support for the sustentaculum tali. This anatomical structure is part of the calcaneus (the heel bone) and serves as a shelf or support for the talus, which is critical in maintaining stability in the subtalar joint. The Thomas heel, typically incorporated into orthotic devices, helps enhance load distribution and alignment in the foot, particularly for conditions that affect the rearfoot and midfoot.

In providing support to the sustentaculum tali, the Thomas heel aids in proper foot mechanics, which can alleviate pain and improve function, especially in individuals with conditions like flatfoot or other structural deformities. Such support is crucial for ensuring that the talus remains stable during walking and running, thus promoting a more efficient gait cycle.

In contrast, the other structures listed, such as the cuboid notch, longitudinal arch, and 1st metatarsal, play different roles in foot anatomy and function, and the Thomas heel does not specifically target those areas for support in the same way it does for the sustentaculum tali.