The subtalar joint is in which position during the swing phase of gait?

The subtalar joint is in which position during the swing phase of gait?

• A. Supinated
• B. Pronated
• C. Neutral
• D. Plantarflexed

Answer: (A)

During swing, the foot is off the ground and the body isn’t loading through it, so the subtalar joint tends toward inversion (supination). This supinated position helps keep the hindfoot more rigid and the forefoot aligned, which aids clearance of the swinging limb and sets up the foot for a stable, efficient heel strike when ground contact resumes. Pronated or neutral positions would reduce this stability and alignment for the upcoming contact, and plantarflexed refers to the ankle angle rather than the subtalar joint position.