Your anatomy

Anatomy - Ankle

Given its position at the base of the body, the ankle has to be a very strong and stable joint to take the strain of the weight placed upon it. It is composed of three bones:

The tibia (shin bone)

The fibula
The talus

The ankle is situated at the junction between the base of the tibia in the lower leg and the talus at the back of the foot, above the heel (calcaneus). The talus allows the foot to move upwards (dorsiflexion) and downwards (plantarflexion) like a hinge. The ankle, with the other joints of the foot, provides us ability to invert (turn in) and evert (turn out).This is necessary for walking with a smooth and effortless gait on various surfaces.

The large Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle is the most powerful tendon in the foot. Connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, it gives the foot the power to walk, run and jump. Sideways movements are provided by the ankle and other joints within the foot, supported by the fibula and ligaments surrounding it. Ligaments are tough chords of tissue on both sides of the joint providing stability in holding the bones in position. They work in harmony with the muscles (controlling the bones) and the tendons (connecting the muscles to the bones). Many tendons cross the ankle, allowing movement not only of the ankle itself, but also the toes.

The joint surfaces are covered by a smooth, tough material called cartilage, which allows the bones to glide easily over each other. The cartilage in the ankle joint is vital for shock absorption, cushioning the bones and ensuring the joint operates smoothly and painlessly. Bursae, fluid-filled sacs, cushion the area where tendons glide across bone. The ankle is also covered by a thin, smooth tissue liner called synovial membrane, which secretes a small amount of synovial fluid which lubricates the joint, further reducing friction and facilitating movement. The ankle functions correctly when everything works normally and in harmony. However when one part becomes damaged through either injury or disease, it can lead to problems and pain in carrying out everyday activities.

Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.