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Ankle Pain

Ankle Pain

 The ankle joint is a hinge type joint that resides at the distal part of the lower limb. It is formed by the talus (a bone of the foot), the lateral malleolus (bony end of the fibula on the outside of the ankle) and the medial malleolus (the bony end of the tibia on the inside of the ankle.

There are numerous ligaments in and around the ankle joint, both on the inside and outside that help to provide stability. The ligaments on the outside of the ankle are commonly injured when the sole of the foot roles inwards.

The ligaments on the outside of the ankle are the:
  • Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)
  • Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL)
  • Posterior Talofibular Ligament (PTFL)
There are also a number of ligaments on the inside of the ankle however these interweave within one another to provide the very strong 'deltoid' ligament complex which, due to their strength, rarely become injured.

There is also a ligament at the bottom end of the tibia and fibular where they meet to form the ankle joint, known as the anterior talofibular ligament which can be injured in a high ankle sprain.

Located on the sole of the foot, which runs from the toes to the heel is a thick, fibrous band of tissue known as the plantar fascia and in some instances can become irritated. There are a number of muscles that act around the ankle joint to help perform the available movements, these include:
  • Tibialis Anterior
  • Tibialis Posterior
  • Gastrocnemius (calf muscle)
  • Peroneal Longus and Brevis
  • Flexor and extensor muscles of the toes.
There is also a 'tunnel' on the inside of the ankle that permits passage for blood vessels and nerves to supply the ankle and foot.
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