ANKLE JOINT

ANKLE JOINT

The hinge joint is formed by the distal end of the tibia and its malleolus (medial malleolus), the distal end of the fibula (lateral malleolus) and the talus.

There are four important ligaments strengthening this joint: the deltoid and anterior, posterior, medial and lateral ligaments.

MUSCLES AND MOVEMENTS

The movements of inversion and eversion occur between the tarsal bones and not at the ankle joint. Ankle joint movements and the related muscles are shown in table 

JOINTS OF THE FOOT AND TOES

There are a number of synovial joints between the tarsal bones, between the tarsal and metatarsal bones, between the metatarsals and proximal phalanges and between the phalanges.

 Movements are produced by muscles in the leg with long tendons that cross the ankle joint, and by muscles of the foot.

 The tendons crossing the ankle joint are encased in synovial sheaths and are held close to the bones by strong transverse ligaments. They move smoothly within their sheaths as the joints move. In addition to moving the joints of the foot, these muscles support the arches of the foot and help to maintain body balance.