Ankle

Joint between the foot and the leg

The ankle is a complex joint in the human body that connects the foot with the leg. It plays a crucial role in movement and stability, allowing for a wide range of motion while supporting the body's weight.

Anatomy

The ankle joint, also known as the talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that involves three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus.

Bones

• Tibia: The larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg, the tibia bears most of the body's weight.
• Fibula: The fibula is the thinner bone of the lower leg, providing lateral stability to the ankle.
• Talus: The talus is the top bone of the foot that fits into the socket formed by the tibia and fibula.

Ligaments

The stability of the ankle is maintained by several ligaments:

• Medial (deltoid) ligament: A strong, triangular band that connects the tibia to the talus, calcaneus, and navicular bones.
• Lateral ligaments: These include the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and posterior talofibular ligament, which connect the fibula to the talus and calcaneus.

Muscles

Muscles that control the movement of the ankle include:

• Anterior compartment muscles: Such as the tibialis anterior, which dorsiflexes the foot.
• Posterior compartment muscles: Including the gastrocnemius and soleus, which plantarflex the foot.
• Lateral compartment muscles: Such as the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis, which evert the foot.

Function

The primary functions of the ankle include:

• Mobility: Allowing movements such as dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion.
• Stability: Supporting the body's weight during standing and movement.
• Shock absorption: Distributing forces during activities like walking, running, and jumping.

Common Injuries

Ankle injuries are common, especially in athletes. Some of the most frequent injuries include:

• Ankle sprains: Often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle, leading to ligament damage.
• Fractures: Breaks in one or more of the bones forming the ankle joint.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the ankle, often due to overuse.

Clinical Significance

The ankle is a critical joint for locomotion and is often subject to injury due to its role in weight-bearing and movement. Proper diagnosis and treatment of ankle injuries are essential for maintaining mobility and preventing chronic issues.

Related pages

• Foot
• Leg
• Joint
• Ligament
• Muscle

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  Ankle