Relevant Ankle Anatomy

Ankle anatomy includes the ankle joint and the structures surrounding it.

Ankle joint connects the foot to the leg and is made by the

• lower end of the fibula called the lateral malleoli
• lower end of the tibia called the medial malleoli and tibial plafond
• tibial plafond consists of the anterior and posterior malleoli
• the corresponding part of the body of the talus bone

The important ligaments connecting these bones include

• anterior and posterior tibio-fibular ligaments
• deltoid ligament on the inner side
• the calcaneo-fibular and talo-fibular ligaments on the outer side

The function of these ligaments is to stabilize the ankle joint.

The important muscles acting on the ankle joint include

• Gastrosoleus (calf) muscles that plantar-flex (stand on your toes) the foot.
• Tibialis anterior muscle that dorsi-flexes (pull your foot up) the foot.

As the ankle joint is not surrounded by many muscles therefore break down of the skin can lead to infection in the joint and bones.

Due to this reason injuries of the ankle require prompt attention.

I hope the information provided was helpful. If you have any query you can ask me at the contact me page.

This page was last updated on 2nd March 2009.

Common causes of ankle pain include...

Ankle Fracture

Ankle Sprain

Ankle Arthritis

Pilon Fracture

Tillaux Fracture

Ankle Dislocation

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