• Also known as the shinbone, the tibia is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg. It bears most of the body’s weight and forms the inner part of the ankle joint.
• The fibula is the thinner bone located alongside the tibia. It provides lateral support and stability to the leg and forms the outer part of the ankle joint.
• The talus sits above the heel bone (calcaneus) and below the tibia and fibula. It acts as a pivot point for ankle movement and is essential for transferring weight from the leg to the foot.

Ankle Anatomy 101: The Joints

Connecting the bones of the body are the joints. The main joint in the ankle is the talocrural joint, where the tibia and fibula meet the talus. This hinge joint allows for up-and-down movements of the foot, such as pointing the toes (plantarflexion) and lifting them towards the shin (dorsiflexion).

The subtalar joint, located below the talus and between the talus and calcaneus, allows for side-to-side movements, such as tilting the sole of the foot inward (inversion) and outward (eversion).

Ankle Anatomy 101: Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments

Several muscles control the movements of the ankle and foot. Key muscles include the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf muscles) which enable plantarflexion, and the anterior tibialis, which facilitates dorsiflexion.

Tendons connect muscles to bones. The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is vital for walking, running, and jumping.

Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones. The deltoid ligament on the inner side and the lateral ligaments on the outer side of the ankle provide stability and prevent excessive movement that could lead to injuries.

Why Understanding Ankle Anatomy Matters

Perhaps the most important is that understanding ankle anatomy helps in recognizing the signs of common injuries and knowing how to prevent them. Ankle sprains, for instance, are one of the most frequent injuries, often resulting from overstretched or torn ligaments. Knowing the role of ligaments can help in appreciating the importance of strengthening exercises and wearing proper footwear to provide adequate support.

For athletes, understanding of ankle anatomy can be the difference between peak performance and injury. Proper conditioning of the muscles and tendons around the ankle can improve agility, balance, and strength, thereby enhancing overall athletic ability. Tailored training programs that focus on these aspects can lead to better performance and fewer injuries.

Even for non-athletes, healthy ankles are essential for daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods. Awareness of how the ankle works can encourage individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining ankle health, such as engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that put undue stress on the ankle joint.

Consult with a Licensed Podiatrist

It’s not enough to understand the basics of ankle anatomy. If you are concerned about your feet and ankles, then make sure to consult with a licensed foot doctor.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a foot specialist, then consider Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our healthcare professionals are proud to offer everything from routine foot care to diagnoses and treatments, including conservative solutions and surgical interventions.