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2.2.1 The mechanics of turning: rotating the foot relative to the hip

The feet are connected to the hip through the legs. There are three joints, the ankle connects the foot to the lower leg. The knee connects the lower leg to the upper leg, and the hip joint connects the upper leg to the hip.

Diagram 1: foot as seen from the top, with approximate pivot point for the ankle attachment
Diagram 2: foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, upper leg, hip joint - as seen on the skeleton
Diagram 3: hip and hip joint - top down view onto the foot to be turned

We simplify the action by focusing on the hip joint, and ignoring any movement by the kneee or by the ankle. This allows us to show the rotation, but not how the weight is shifted from one foot to the other. We shall deal with that in the next chapter on walking.

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