what is the function of 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?

You May Have Chronic Ankle Instability

• Symptoms of Chronic Ankle Instability. • Patients with chronic ankle instability have ankles that usually give out, especially when walking on uneven surfaces or wearing uncomfortable footwear like high heels.
• Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability. ...
• Schedule a Consultation. ...

Why does my ankle give out when I Walk?

Which ankle muscles plantar flex the ankle (plantar flexion)?

• Gastrocnemius
• Soleus
• Flexor hallucis longus
• Flexor digitorum longus
• Tibialis posterior
• Peroneus brevis
• Peroneus longus

What muscles are used in the ankle?

What is Normal Range of Motion for Ankle Dorsiflexion? The generally accepted normal range of motion for ankle dorsiflexion is 20 degrees as defined by both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. However, there is a lot of variability if you search the literature.

What is normal ROM for ankle?

What is the function of the foot and ankle?

It functions as a rigid structure for weight bearing and it can also function as a flexible structure to conform to uneven terrain. The foot and ankle provide various important functions which includes: Supporting body weight. Providing balance.

What does the ankle do?

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.

Why is your ankle important?

As one of the body's most major weight-bearing structures, the musculature of the ankle affects the ability to perform activities like running, jumping, and balancing, as well as the likelihood of developing a variety of lower leg injuries, such as ankle sprains and strains, shin splints, Achilles heel tendonitis, and ...

What is the function of ankle ligaments?

Ankle ligaments are like cords that connect the foot bones with the lower leg bones. They stabilize the ankle joint and prevent the ankle from twisting, folding or collapsing. An ankle ligament can overstretch or tear, called a sprain.

How does the ankle support the body?

It acts as a shock absorber and reduces friction. Tendons, ligaments and the joint capsules hold the joint together and help it to move. Tendons connect muscles to bones.

What's the ankle joint called?

Talocrural jointThe ankle joint, or Talocrural joint, is a large synovial joint. It is a hinge joint that allows plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, moving the foot up and down. The ankle is more stable while joint is in dorsiflexion, and the anterior part of the talus is held in the joint.

Why does ankle hurt?

They can get inflamed from arthritis, overuse, high-heeled shoes, recent footwear changes, or starting workouts again after time off. Your ankle may feel stiff, tender, warm, and swollen. The best treatment is RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the pain and swelling.

Can you walk on a broken ankle?

Many people assume that if you can put weight on the ankle then it isn't broken, however, it is possible to walk on a broken ankle, particularly with a less severe fracture. If you're concerned your ankle may be broken, we recommend contacting your doctor, who can conduct an examination or order and xray if necessary.

How important is ankle mobility?

The flexibility of the ankle can determine the ability of how to perform an exercise. As stated before, the body is a whole unit. When one area does not function at 100% then it causes a domino effect on the surrounding areas. Poor ankle mobility can even cause poor posture as the chest begins to lean forward.

What muscles are in ankle?

The major muscles of the ankle include the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf) muscles, which push the foot down and allow us to go up on our toes. These two large muscles join at the ankle to form the Achilles tendon.

What muscles support 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...

How many bones are in an 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.

Why does ankle 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.

Can you walk on a broken ankle?

Many people assume that if you can put weight on the ankle then it isn't broken, however, it is possible to walk on a broken ankle, particularly with a less severe fracture. If you're concerned your ankle may be broken, we recommend contacting your doctor, who can conduct an examination or order and xray if necessary.

What type of movement does the ankle joint have?

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

Do we have 2 or 4 ankles?

Although it is typically referred to as a single joint, the ankle is actually two joints: The true ankle joint, which is composed of three bones: the tibia, the larger and stronger of the two lower leg bones, which forms the inside part of the of the ankle.

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.

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.

How many articulations are there in the ankle joint?

There are three articulations in the ankle joint:

Why do you need to have an ankle surgery?

In general, ankle surgery is performed in order to make the ankle more stable. Various techniques are used to keep the ankle bones in place. Syndesmotic screw: A surgeon places a screw connecting the bones of the lower leg. This keeps the bones together, giving a high ankle sprain time to heal.

What are the bones that make up the ankle?

The ankle is a large joint made up of three bones: The shin bone (tibia) The thinner bone running next to the shin bone (fi bula) A foot bone that sits above the heel bone (talus) The bony bumps (or protrusions) seen and felt on the ankle have their own names: The medial malleolus, felt on the inside of your ankle is part of the tibia's base.

What is the most common form of arthritis in the ankle?

Ankle arthritis: While it’s not common, osteoar thritis, the most common form of arthritis, can affect the ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune form of arthritis in which the body attacks joint tissue, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Any joint may be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, including the ankle.

What is the best treatment for ankle pain?

RICE therapy is good initial treatment for most ankle injuries. Pain medicines: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) can ease most ankle pain.

What is the procedure to fuse bones of the ankle?

Ankle arthroscopic surgery: Ankle surgery using tools inserted through small incisions in the ankle. One of the tools, an endoscope, allows a surgeon to view the inside of the ankle joint on a video screen. Ankle fusion surgery: Surgery to fuse the bones of the ankle together, limiting movement in the ankle.

What is the physical examination of the ankle?

Physical examination: A health-care provider's examination of the ankle may identify whether an ankle fracture, sprain, or another condition is present.

What is a sprained ankle?

Sprained ankle: Damage to one of the ligaments in the ankle, usually from an accidental twist or turn of the foot. Rehabilitation can prevent pain and swelling from becoming a long-term problem.

What is the structure of the ankle?

Structure. The ankle or tibiotalar joint constitutes the junction of the lower leg and foot. The osseous components of the ankle joint include the distal tibia, distal fibula, and talus . The anatomic structures below the ankle joint comprise the foot, which includes:

What are the functions of the foot?

The foot is subdivided into the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. It functions as a rigid structure for weight bearing and it can also function as a flexible structure to conform to uneven terrain. The foot and ankle provide various important functions which includes: Supporting body weight. Providing balance.

Why is subtalar pronation important?

Subtalar pronation has a shock absorbing effect during initial heel contact. Pronation is also necessary to enable rotation of the leg and to absorb the impact of this rotation. Subtalar pronation plays a role in shock absorption through eccentric control of the supinators. On the other side, the joint of Chopart becomes unlocked so that the forefoot can stay loose and flexible. In midstance, the foot needs mobility to adapt to variation in surfaces.

What is the transition in the foot from pronation to supination?

As discussed above with MT joint locking, the transition in the foot from pronation to supination is an important function that assists in adapting to uneven terrain and acting as a rigid lever during push off.

What is the most posterior aspect of the foot?

Hindfoot: Hindfoot, the most posterior aspect of the foot, is composed of the talus and calcaneus, two of the seven tarsal bones. The talus and calcaneus articulation is referred to as the subtalar joint, which has three facets on each of the talus and calcaneus.

Why is foot stability important?

In midstance, the foot needs mobility to adapt to variation in surfaces. Foot stability is necessary to provide a stable base for the body. The foot needs the capacity to bear body weight and act as a stable lever to propel the body forward. This function requires pronation control of the subtalar joint.

What happens if your foot is pronated?

If the foot remains pronated, it would lead to hypermobility of the midfoot and place greater demand on the neuromuscular structures that stabilize the foot and maintain upright stance. Whereas if the foot remains supinated, the midfoot would be hypomobile, which would compromise the ability of the foot to adjust to the terrain and increase demand on surrounding structures to maintain postural stability and balance. Cote et al. concluded that postural stability is affected by foot position in both static and dynamic conditions. Chain reactions occur secondary to the positioning of the foot.

What are the tendons in the ankle?

Tendons are elastic tissues made up of collagen. They are the rope-like ends of the muscles that allow them to firmly connect to bones. The numerous tendons around the ankle help to stabilize and ultimately move the ankle. They are associated with the muscles discussed in the section above. One of the most important tendons is the achilles tendon. This is the tendon on the back of the ankle that represents the attachment of the calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) to the calcaneus. This tendon can become torn or irritated, causing weakness and/or pain.

What is the cartilage on the ankle?

Similar to other articular joints, the bones of the ankle joint are lined with articular or hyaline cartilage . This articular cartilage is incredibly smooth and allows for very fluid and pain-free motion of the ankle joint. Strong ligaments on either each side of the ankle joint give additional stability to the joint.

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 are the functions of ankle ligaments?

They: Absorb shock when your foot strikes a surface. Connect the bones of your foot with your lower leg. Keep the bones in the proper position. Prevent your ankle from twisting, folding or collapsing. Stabilize your ankle joint (formed by the lower leg bones and the talus).

What is the ligament in the ankle called?

They stabilize the ankle joint and prevent the ankle from twisting, folding or collapsing. An ankle ligament can overstretch or tear, called a sprain. An kle sprain is a very common injury and can range from mild to severe.

How to keep ankle ligaments safe?

But you can take steps to keep your ankle ligaments safer, especially during exercise: Avoid uneven surfaces, which can cause you to roll or twist the ankle. Improve your flexibility and balance. Doing so helps train your body to react to missteps or stumbles without putting pressure on the ankles.

What is the grade of ankle ligament injury?

Treatment for an ankle ligament injury can vary greatly, depending on: The severity of the ankle injury (grade 1, 2 or 3). Whether pain or trouble moving the ankle is interfering with your life. Whether you’re at risk for additional ankle injuries in the future.

What is it called when you twist your ankle?

An ankle ligament can be injured when it moves in the wrong direction, stretches too far or tears. A ligament injury is called a sprain. A sprained ankle is a very common injury. It happens to people of all ages and levels of health. An ankle sprain usually occurs when someone twists the ankle.

Where do the ligaments connect to the talus?

Then the four ligaments fan out to connect to the talus, calcaneus and navicular bones. Lateral ligaments: These start at the lateral malleolus (the end of the fibula, which forms the bump on the outside of the ankle). Then the three ligaments connect to the talus and calcaneus.

Where are the ankle ligaments located?

Ankle ligaments are found throughout your foot, ankle and lower leg. They connect certain bones:

What is the importance of ankle function?

Pretty crazy right? What this means is that ankle function is of utmost importance. If our talus is malpositioned or unstable , it will adversely affect how muscles not only in the lower extremity, but throughout the entire body function. In order to restore and maintain optimal position and movement of the talus, we need to make sure to have adequate control through the pronation-supination continuum. We need to ensure that not only do the talocrural and subtalar joints of the ankle function well, but also ensure that the midfoot integrates with the ankle as well.

What is the anatomy of the ankle?

Anatomy of the Ankle. First, let’s review the anatomy of the ankle. The ankle is comprised of two primary joints, the subtalar joint and the talocrural joint. Just briefly watch a few seconds of the video below to get a visual of the structures involved. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Why is ankle dorsiflexion important?

Adequate ankle dorsiflexion is an important component for deep squats and activities like olympic lifting. However, as important as talocrural joint-focused ankle mobility is, we need to also appreciate the importance of subtalar joint function.

Why are feet and ankles important?

The feet and ankles are one the most important key areas in the body when it comes to restoring and maintaining full-body biomechanical efficiency and movement capacity. The more efficiently we move and larger capacity we have for good movement, the smaller our chances are in regards to sustaining injuries, struggling with chronic pain, and greater our overall performance.

What is the talus?

The talus is a very unique bone in the body in that it has no muscular attachments, and because of this, it provides a very specific type of proprioceptive feedback to the rest of the body. The talus serves as a gyroscope of sorts. Check this out:

Does the talus affect proprioceptive input?

The ability to respond to load in these joints has a drastic effect on the talus and vice versa. Because we know the talus has large-scale effects on proprioceptive input and neuromuscular control, maintaining optimal foot function must involve the integration of the forefoot tripod, rearfoot tripod, and ankle joints.

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.

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.

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 upper and lower ankles?

The lower ankle allows your foot to tilt to the side and turn outwards and inwards. The upper ankle lets you move your feet up and down. Whether you injure the joint, a bone, the upper ankle, or the lower, the associated pain can literally stop you in your tracks. Most causes of ankle pain are treatable though.

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