The Ankle Injury

One of the commonest occurrences of all bodily trauma is the ankle injury. I never though cease to be amazed by the wonder of the human body, or nature in any of its forms for that matter and something that consistently leaves me in awe is the human foot. It is a piece of architectural and mechanical genius.

Basic Anatomy of the Ankle

The ankle joint is formed by three bones. Two are the lower leg bones known as THE TIBIA and THE FIBULA. They come together at the ankle to form an arch or a mortise, into which fits a bone on the top of the foot called THE TALUS.

These three bones form a hinge type joint where the talus of the foot is able to rock backwards and forwards within the confines of the arch or mortise, formed by the lower ends of the tibia and fibula. This hinge type movement allows the up and down movement of the foot.

Within the foot itelf there are many more smaller joint that contribute to the overall movement. Individually they do not move a great deal but together allow a considerable degree of flexibility.

A major joint of the foot is THE SUB-TALAR JOINT. This is a joint between the underside of the talus, the bone that forms part of the ankle joint and the top of THE CALCANEUM or heel bone. This joint permits a side to side rocking movement so that the sole of the foot can be turned inwards or outwards.

Important Structures of the Foot and Ankle.

Lateral Ligaments

These ligaments are on the outside of the ankle immediately below the outside ankle bone or LATERAL MALLEOLUS. They are divided into three relatively small, easily damaged strips. They are frequently stretched or torn in a typical ankle sprain. The most commonly injured is the small, thin anterior talo-fibular part located at the front aspect of the joint. It is not uncommon for this ligament to be stretched so badly or so often that it loses its ability to control movement and the ankle becomes unstable in certain positions.

The Medial or Deltoid Ligaments

These ligaments are found on the inside of the ankle joint immediately below the inside ankle bone or MEDIAL MALLEOLUS. They are not dissimilar to their lateral counterparts except that they are shorter, tougher and damage to them is a less frequently occurring ankle injury. They can be sprained or stretched like the lateral ones but it is worth repeating that it is a much less common ankle injury.

The Achilles Tendon

This must be one of the most well known anatomical structures. Just for the record it is the thick, strong cord that runs down from the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg into the back of the heel bone. It has the tendency to become inflamed and can rupture or snap. The latter being a soft tissue injury of some magnitude.


Common Injuries of the Foot and Ankle.



Ankle Injury involving LIGAMENTS (sprained ankle)

Footballers' Ankle



Ankle and Foot Injury involving THE ACHILLES TENDON


Ankle and Foot Injury involving other TENDONS


Ankle and Foot Injury involving FRACTURES