What type of joints are in the ankle?
The ankle joint is a hinged synovial joint with primarily up-and-down movement (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion). However, when the range of motion of the ankle and subtalar joints (talocalcaneal and talocalcaneonavicular) is taken together, the complex functions as a universal joint (see the image below).
What are the 4 joint actions of the ankle?
The movements that occur at the ankle joint are plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion.
How many joints are in the ankle?
two joints
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 are the 7 bones of the ankle?
What Bones make up the Ankle?
- Tibia.
- Fibula.
- Talus.
- Calcaneus.
- Navicular.
- Cuboid.
- Cuneiform (lateral, middle, medial).
What tendon is in the ankle?
The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel. These tendons work together to stabilize the foot and ankle and are very important to our daily functioning.
What muscles stabilize the ankle?
Peroneals. The peroneal muscles feature two divisions: the peroneus longus and the peroneus brevis muscles. These muscles wrap around the arch of the foot and past the ankle. Combined with the tibialis muscles, the peroneal muscles work to support and stabilize the ankle.
What are the 6 movements of the ankle?
In total, the ankle allows the foot to move in six different ways: dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion, and medial and lateral rotation. Flexion and extension at the ankle are referred to as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, respectively (Figure 2).
How many tendons are in the ankle?
Two tendons run behind the outer bump of the ankle (the lateral malleolus). These two tendons, called the peroneals, help turn the foot down and out.
What is ankle bone called?
Bones of the Ankle
The medial malleolus, formed by the tibia, is found on the inside of the ankle. Posterior malleolus, also formed by the tibia, is found at the back of the ankle. Lateral malleolus, formed by the fibula, is found on the outer aspect of the ankle.
What nerves are in the ankle?
Three nerves innervate the skin in the foot and ankle region: the saphenous, sural, and superficial peroneal nerves. Because they are close to the medial and lateral malleoli, these nerves are at significant risk during orthopedic interventions.
What is an ankle bone called?
What is the strongest ligament in the ankle?
The deltoid ligament is considered the strongest of the ankle ligaments8,9,12–14 and, especially during plantar flexion, functions to prevent excessive eversion at the subtalar joint.
What is the main ligament in your ankle?
The anterior talofibular ligament is the most frequently injured ligament of the ankle and is the most frequently observed injury in the emergency room [7] (Fig. 1). This ligament plays an important role in limiting anterior displacement of the talus and plantar flexion of the ankle [40].
How many ligaments are in the ankle?
The ligaments of the ankle are the primary stabilizers of the joint. Four major ligaments hold together the ankle. The medial part of the ankle is supported by the strong and thick deltoid ligament, and runs from the medial malleolus of the tibia to the talus, calcaneus and navicular bone of the foot and ankle complex.
Which are the 3 most commonly injured ankle ligaments?
The three ligaments that compose the lateral complex are the anterior talofibular (ATFL), the calcaneofibular (CFL), and posterior talofibular (PTFL) and they tend to be injured in this order with the anterior talofibular ligament being injured most commonly.
What is the largest ankle bone?
The Tarsus
Calcaneus — The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone of the foot and the easiest to locate. It is the most posterior of the tarsals and forms the heel of the foot. It articulates with the talus above it to form the subtalar joint.
What muscles are in the ankle?
Muscles of the Ankle
- The 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.
What causes nerve damage in ankle?
Foot and ankle neuropathy and nerve entrapment causes
Foot and ankle nerve conditions can occur because of injury, stress on the foot or ankle, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.
How many nerves are in the ankle?
Three nerves innervate the skin in the foot and ankle region: the saphenous, sural, and superficial peroneal nerves.
What are the special tests for the ankle?
| TESTS | POSITION OF THE ANKLE |
|---|---|
| External Rotation Test Kleiger Test | From neutral to external rotation of foot |
| Squeeze Test | Below head of fibular |
| Squeeze Test | Up and down the shaft of the tibia and fibula. Foot is in a neutral, relaxed position. |
| Heel Tap Test | Foot is relaxed and in a neutral position |
How do you know if you have nerve damage in your ankle?
Mild peroneal nerve injuries can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness. More severe injuries can be characterized by a foot drop, a distinctive way of walking that results from being unable to bend or flex the foot upward at the ankle.
How do doctors test for nerve damage?
A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test — also called a nerve conduction study (NCS) — measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. NCV can identify nerve damage. During the test, your nerve is stimulated, usually with electrode patches attached to your skin.
What is the ankle bone called?
What are 3 functional tests of the ankle?
Functional Testing
- Range of Motion: The Dorsiflexion Lunge Test. Dorsiflexion is necessary for a normal gait, climbing stairs, and rising from a squatting position.
- Balance and Proprioception: The Star Excursion Balance Test.
- Agility: Agility T-Test.
- Strength: Sargent/Vertical Jump Test.
How do you examine an ankle joint?
First, have the patient lying down supine with the knee bent on the affected side. Then, observe the lateral aspect of the foot and ankle for hematomas or bruises. Then, locate the three lateral ligaments and palpate along their course for crepitus and tenderness.