what is the ankle

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• A fracture in one of the bones that make up the ankle joint.
• Arthritis of the ankle joint.
• Inflammation of the joint lining.
• Injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle. In this case, the nerves become stretched, torn, injured by a direct blow, or pinched under pressure.
• Scar tissue in the ankle after a sprain. ...
• Torn or inflamed tendon.

What are common ankle problems?

The most common causes of outside of the ankle-foot pain are:

• An ankle sprain.
• Peroneal tendonitis.
• Sinus tarsi pain
• A broken Ankle.

What causes pain in the outside of the ankle?

The normal range for the ankle-brachial index is between 0.90 and 1.30. An index under 0.90 means that blood is having a hard time getting to the legs and feet: 0.41 to 0.90 indicates mild to moderate peripheral artery disease; 0.40 and lower indicates severe disease.

What is normal ankle?

they can be worn on either ankle or you may even choose to wear one on each ankle. left ankle is probably most common, but there are no rules, where what you like how you like I always wear anklet on my right feet and I feel comfort than to wear on left feet. But there is no traditional reason behind the right or left feet.

Which ankle does an anklet go on?

What is the main function of the ankle?

The ankle joint allows up-and-down movement of the foot. The subtalar joint sits below the ankle joint, and allows side-to-side motion of the foot. Numerous ligaments (made of tough, moveable tissue) surround the true ankle and subtalar joints, binding the bones of the leg to each other and to those of the foot.

Where is the ankle of your foot?

Talus: also called the ankle bone, sits above the heel bone (calcaneus) and makes up the lower part of the ankle joint by connecting the tibia and fibula with the foot. Cuboid: a cube-shaped bone that connects the foot to the ankle and helps provide stability to the foot.

What type of joint is the ankle?

hinged synovial jointOverview. The ankle joint is a hinged synovial joint with primarily up-and-down movement (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion).

What is considered the ankle?

Region. The ankle region is found at the junction of the leg and the foot. It extends downwards (distally) from the narrowest point of the lower leg and includes the parts of the foot closer to the body (proximal) to the heel and upper surface (dorsum) of the foot.

Is the ankle part of foot or leg?

Anatomy. The ankle is the part of the lower limb encompassing the distal portion of the leg and proximal portions of the foot. The ankle encompasses the ankle joint, an articulation between the tibia and fibula of the leg and the talus of the foot.

Why do my ankles hurt?

The most common causes include injury, arthritis and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around the ankle. Your ankle may also swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it. Usually, ankle pain gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications.

How many bones are in the ankle?

three bonesA fall or blow to your ankle can break one or more of the three bones in your ankle joint — the fibula, the tibia and the talus.

What muscles are in the ankle?

Muscles of the AnkleThe peroneals (peroneus longus and peroneus brevis) on the outside edge of the ankle and foot bend the ankle down and out.The calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) connect to the calcaneus by the Achilles tendon. ... The posterior tibialis muscle supports the arch and helps turn the foot inward.More items...

What are the 7 bones in the ankle called?

The tarsal bones are 7 in number. They are named the calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular, and the medial, middle, and lateral cuneiforms.

What is the ankle called in anatomy?

The ankle joint, also known as the talocrural joint, is a synovial joint that connects the bones of the leg, the fibula and tibia, with the talus of the foot. It is a complex hinge joint composed of two articulations.

What are parts of the foot called?

The forefoot contains the five toes (phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals). The midfoot is a pyramid-like collection of bones that form the arches of the feet. These include the three cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone, and the navicular bone. The hindfoot forms the heel and ankle.

What's the top of the foot called?

Talus – the bone on top of the foot that forms a joint with the two bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula. Calcaneus – the largest bone of the foot, which lies beneath the talus to form the heel bone.

What does a swollen left ankle mean?

Common causes of swollen ankles, feet and legs standing or sitting in the same position for too long. eating too much salty food. being overweight. being pregnant. taking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants or steroids.

What is between the heel and ankle?

The sinus tarsi , referred to as “the eye of the foot,” is the space on the outside of the foot between the ankle and heel bone. This space, while small, contains several ligaments along with fatty tissue, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.

What is the front of your ankle called?

The true ankle joint is composed of three bones, seen above from a front, or anterior, view: the tibia which forms the inside, or medial, portion of the ankle; the fibula which forms the lateral, or outside portion of the ankle; and the talus underneath.

What is top of foot called?

Talus – the bone on top of the foot that forms a joint with the two bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula. Calcaneus – the largest bone of the foot, which lies beneath the talus to form the heel bone. Tarsals – five irregularly shaped bones of the midfoot that form the foot's arch.

What is the main action of the ankle joint?

The main action of the ankle joint is to allow dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot, as well as some degree of pronation and supination with subtalar and midtarsal joints. The joint also acts as a shock absorber as the heel strikes the ground during the first phases of gait. Key facts about the ankle joint. Type.

What are the ligaments in the ankle?

The lateral collateral ligament is a strong compound ligament that reinforces the lateral aspect of the ankle joint. It is comprised of three distinct bands: 1 Anterior talofibular ligament: a weak, flat band that originates on the lateral malleolus of the fibula and extends anteromedially to the lateral side of the neck of the talus. 2 Posterior talofibular ligament: a strong band that extends medially and posteriorly from the distal part of the lateral malleolar fossa of the fibula to the lateral tubercle of the talus. It is also connected to the medial malleolus by a tibial slip of fibres. 3 Calcaneofibular ligament: a long band that originates from the apex of the lateral malleolus of the fibula, and extends posteroinferiorly to attach on a tubercle on the lateral aspect of the calcaneus.

What are the articular surfaces of the ankle joint?

The ankle joint is a complex of articulations between the distal ends of the tibia and its medial malleolus, lateral malleolus of the fibula, and the trochlear surface of the talus. All of the articular surfaces of the ankle joint are covered with hyaline cartilage. There are three articulations in the ankle joint: ...

What is a tibia and fibula joint?

It is a complex hinge joint composed of two articulations. It is often described as a tenon and mortise joint, as the tibia and fibula act as a mortise and form a notch in which the body of the talus fits, acting as the tenon.

Where is the anterior talofibular ligament?

Anterior talofibular ligament: a weak, flat band that originates on the lateral malleolus of the fibula and extends anteromedially to the lateral side of the neck of the talus.

Where does the Calcaneofibular ligament originate?

Calcaneofibular ligament: a long band that originates from the apex of the lateral malleolus of the fibula, and extends posteroinferiorly to attach on a tubercle on the lateral aspect of the calcaneus.

What is the name of the joint that connects the bones of the leg, the fibula and tibi?

Last reviewed: May 31, 2021. Reading time: 10 minutes. Ankle joint (articulatio talocruralis) The ankle joint, also known as the talocrural joint, is a synovial joint that connects the bones of the leg, the fibula and tibia, with the talus of the foot. It is a complex hinge joint composed of two articulations.

What are the ligaments that connect the bones of the ankle?

The ankle is reinforced by a number of ligaments that connect the bones of this joint. Ligaments are fibrous tissue that usually connect bone to bone. These include the deltoid, anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments. Last medically reviewed on January 19, 2018.

What is the difference between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion?

The joint allows for two distinct types of movement, called dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Dorsiflexion involves the motion of the top part of the foot toward the leg. Plantar flexion is the opposite motion, in which the top of the foot moves away from the leg . The ankle is reinforced by a number of ligaments that connect the bones of this joint.

What bones are in the tibia?

The tibia and fibula are joined to the talus, or ankle bone, which is one of the major tarsal bones (bones at the back of the foot) and is located underneath the other two. This joint allows humans to walk, run, jump, and perform a variety of other actions. It permits movement and contributes to lower limb stability.

What is the inner bone of the ankle?

The ankle is the joint between the foot and leg, composed of three separate bones. The inner bone is the tibia, or shinbone, which supports most of a person’s weight when standing. The outer bone is the fibula, or calf bone.

How many tarsal bones are there?

There are seven tarsal bones: the calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular, and the first, second, and third cuneiforms. The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest of the tarsal bones. It transmits the weight of the body to the ground and serves as the attachment point for the muscles of the calf.

How do tarsal bones work together?

When the muscles of the foot and leg twist the foot in a particular direction, the tarsal bones lock together to form a rigid post .

What is the articular capsule?

As is the case with all joints, an articular capsule surrounds the tibiotalar joint as well. A synovial membrane lines this capsule and is responsible for producing synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a lubricant which helps to promote very smooth and pain-free motion at the ankle joint.

What is the joint between the tibia and the ankle?

The ankle joint is both a synovial joint and a hinge joint. Hinge joints typically allow for only one direction of motion much like a door-hinge.

What muscles are used to swing the ankle outwards?

On the outer leg are the peroneal muscles. These include both the peroneus longus and the peroneus brevis muscles. These two muscles allow you to evert the ankle i.e. swing it outwards. The tendons of these muscles wrap underneath the lateral malleolus (i.e. the tip of the fibula) and can actually become irritated or torn here, leading to symptoms of pain.

Which ligaments are on each side of the ankle?

Strong ligaments on either each side of the ankle joint give additional stability to the joint. The lateral (outer) ankle is kept stable by the lateral ligament complex which includes the: anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).

What bones connect the fibula to the foot?

As is indicated in their respective names, each ligament connects the fibula to one of two bones in the foot (talus or calcaneus). These ligaments are commonly injured in ankle sprains in the setting of a twisting injury to the ankle.

What is the inside of the ankle?

The tibia forms the inside (medial) portion of the ankle. The fibula forms the outside (lateral) portion of the ankle. The talus is also known as the ankle bone and is found underneath the tibia and fibula. The calcaneus is also known as the heel bone and is found under the talus.

What is the most common injury to the ankle?

Injuries to the ankle usually take the form of fractures, strains, or sprains. Ankle fractures are very common and can range in severity from less serious avulsion injuries to severe breaks of the tibia or fibula. In most cases only the tibia or fibula are injured.

What is the largest bone in the foot?

The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot, and it lies under the talus, with which it forms the subtalar joint, which works in conjunction with the ankle joint to allow triplane motion of the foot. The talus works inside a socket, acting as a director to the movements of the ankle. To see how your talus controls the movements of your ankle, ...

What is the anatomy of the ankle?

The Anatomy of Ankle Bones – What You Should Know. The ankle joint, or talocrural joint is formed where the foot and leg meet, connecting the tibia, fibula, and talus. This joint allows the foot to move up and down or side to side. The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot, and it lies under the talus, with which it forms the subtalar joint, ...

What happens when your foot is pointed down?

It is more susceptible to injury when your foot is pointed down (plantarflexed) with the talus moving out of the ankle mortise. When it is enlarged, it becomes dependent on the soft tissues and ligaments to support, protect, and stabilize it.

Why is the ankle so flexible?

Although the foot is perfectly capable of moving numerous ways, most of its flexibility is due to the presence of other joints within the ankle region. The ankle joint acts as a hinge joint, limiting the rotation of the talus. This makes the ankle one of the most stable joints in the lower extremities. Here is a brief definition of each of the ...

How does the talus work?

The talus works inside a socket, acting as a director to the movements of the ankle. To see how your talus controls the movements of your ankle, try this experiment: While keeping your heel on the ground, lift your toes and hold them up. This movement is called dorsiflexion.

What causes ankle disorders?

The causes of ankle disorders vary and can include running, jumping, and overuse. Other common causes of ankle sprains and fractures include:

How are ankle disorders treated?

Treatment will depend on your condition and your symptoms. Treatments can include nonsurgical and surgical options. Nonsurgical options involve:

How can you prevent ankle disorders?

You can prevent ankle disorders by maintaining good physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. Regular exercise is crucial for building strong bones and maintaining good balance. Other behaviors that can prevent ankle disorders include:

What is the most common injury to the ankle?

fractures. tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) arthritis (chronic inflammation of joints) The ankle is the most frequently injured joint in the body. According to research published by the Walter Reed Medical Center, more than 20,000 ankle sprains occur each day in the United States.

What is the best treatment for a broken ankle?

getting cortisone (steroid) injections to reduce pain and swelling. Severe fractures or ruptured tendons may require surgical treatment. Surgical procedures used to treat ankle disorders include: reconstruction to rebuild bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments in your ankle.

What is the cause of calf pain in the foot?

excess strain on the Achilles tendon, the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel. Different types of arthritis (inflammation of joints and tissues) can also affect the foot and ankle: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative type of arthritis that typically begins in middle age and slowly progresses.

How to diagnose ankle pain?

To look for bone fractures or tendon tears, imaging tests will be needed. These tests include: X- ray. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) computed tomography (CT) scan.

What is the ligament that holds your ankle together?

Most ankle sprains involve injuries to the three ligaments on the outside of your ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that stabilize joints and help prevent excessive movement. An ankle sprain occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that help hold your ankle bones together.

What happens when your ankle is sprained?

A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, which can cause one or more of the ankle's ligaments to stretch, partially tear or tear completely.

How to treat a sprained ankle?

Although self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications may be all you need, a medical evaluation might be necessary to reveal how badly you've sprained your ankle and to determine the appropriate treatment.

What is the purpose of ligaments in ankle?

Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury.

What happens if you don't treat a sprained ankle?

Failing to treat a sprained ankle properly, engaging in activities too soon after spraining your ankle or spraining your ankle repeatedly might lead to the following complications: Chronic ankle pain. Chronic ankle joint instability. Arthritis in the ankle joint.

Why do ankles sprain?

Poor physical condition. Poor strength or flexibility in the ankles may increase the risk of a sprain when participating in sports.

What to do if you have a sprain in your ankle?

Call your doctor if you have pain and swelling in your ankle and you suspect a sprain. Self-care measures may be all you need, but talk to your doctor to discuss whether you should have your ankle evaluated. If signs and symptoms are severe, you may have significant damage to a ligament or a broken bone in your ankle or lower leg.

What causes a stress fracture in the ankle?

An ankle stress fracture usually occurs some time after a person begins a new activity that involves significant impact of the foot, such as hiking, running or field sports. They can also occur in an active person who quickly increases their activity, for example when someone who is accustomed to jogging a few miles a week begins to train for a 26-mile marathon.

What is a broken ankle?

A broken ankle is a fracture or multiple fractures of one or more of three bones in the ankle joint: the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (outer bone of the lower leg), and the talus.

What are the different types of ankle fractures?

Because the ankle joint comprises three bones, there are numerous types of ankle fractures. Doctors think of the ankle as having three sides and a "roof," and fractures can occur in each of these areas or in combination.

What are the symptoms of a broken ankle?

The most common symptoms of an ankle fracture are pain and swelling, either of which may be present only in the ankle region itself or spread to parts of the foot or up toward the knee. Any pain will usually be more intense if the injured person tries to put weight on the ankle.

How is a broken ankle diagnosed?

X-rays are usually required to determine whether there is a broken bone as opposed to a soft-tissue injury like a sprain, since ankle sprains and breaks have similar symptoms. Other radiology imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be needed to determine the full scope of the injury.

What is the recovery time of a broken ankle?

It takes about six weeks for bones to heal. It may take longer for ligaments or other soft tissues to heal as well.

What is the bump on the inside of the ankle called?

Bimalleolar ankle fracture: This second-most common type involves breaks of both the lateral malleolus and of the medial malleolus, the knobby bump on the inside of the ankle (in the lower portion of the tibia).

Why does my ankle hurt?

Injuries to the ankle due to various fractures, sprains, or Achilles tendon ruptures can cause severe ankle pain. Ankle injuries are is among the most common reasons people visit the emergency room.

Why does my ankle hurt without swelling?

Ankle pain without swelling can be caused by a stress fracture of an ankle bone or partial ligament tear causing instability of the ankle. Swelling is caused by traumatic damage to the cells of tissue within the body. As the contents of the cells spill out, they can cause the body to send in immune cells to clean and repair the wound. This requires swelling to "make space" for the immune cells.

How to treat ankle pain?

RICE Method: If the pain is due to an injury, provide first aid to control the swelling and pain. Rest the ankle. Put ice on for about 20 minutes and repeat three times daily.

What causes a calf muscle to swell?

Athletes are more prone to this cause. Achilles tendon rupture: The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone, known as the calcaneus. If this tendon ruptures tears loose from the bone, it will cause severe pain, swelling, and achilles swelling and bruising in the ankle.

What are the hallmarks of ankle pain?

Hallmarks of ankle pain and duration. You love your morning jogs. Watching the sun rise as the wind blows through your hair seems to center you for the day. But one day, your foot lands strangely, slips out from under you, and you're stuck on the sidewalk with an ankle that's just not right.

How to tell if you have broken your ankle?

Symptoms that always occur with broken ankle: pain in one ankle, swollen ankle, ankle pain from an injury, constant ankle pain. Urgency: Hospital emergency room.

What is the difference between a fibula fracture and a stress fracture?

Fibula fracture: The fibula is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. A break just above the ankle can cause severe ankle pain. Stress fracture: This is a crack or severe bruising in the small bones of the ankle, due to overuse and/or weakening from a loss of minerals.

How to reduce swelling in ankles and legs?

A doctor may prescribe diuretic medications and suggest monitoring and reducing fluid intake. Both of these treatments can help reduce swelling in the ankles and legs.

What is the swelling of the arm called?

Lymphedema is a type of swelling that affects the soft tissues in the arms or legs, including the ankles. It is due to a buildup of a fluid called lymph. This is mainly composed of white blood cells, which help fight infection.

Why do my ankles swell?

12 causes of swollen ankles. There are many different causes of swollen ankles. In most cases, swelling is due to injury or edema. The term edema means swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly common in the lower leg, ankles, and feet.

What does it mean when your leg is edema?

The term edema means swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly common in the lower leg, ankles, and feet.

What is it called when your limbs are swollen after a DVT?

If these veins do not increase in size, the limb may remain swollen. Persistent pain and swelling after a DVT is called post-thrombotic syndrome. People who experience a DVT should consider: elevating the affected limb.

What can a doctor prescribe for swelling?

A doctor may prescribe diuretic medications or suggest methods for reducing the swelling if it is uncomfortable.

How does hypothyroidism affect the body?

Hypothyroidism can affect a person’s muscles and joints in numerous ways, causing aches, pains, stiffness, and swelling.