Ankle ligaments: anatomy. The structure of the ankle joint. What is the ankle and where is it located: methods of treating diseases and symptoms Inner ankle bone

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The human osteoarticular system consists of certain anatomical formations and their groups, specialized to perform a specific motor function.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the human ankle joint allows you to properly organize daily activity, sports, and also promptly identify injuries and non-traumatic damage to the joint.

It is a rather complex structure, including bone formations, ligamentous apparatus and a number of muscles that allow it to perform various movements.

The ankle joint is the junction of the foot and lower leg. It is he who is directly involved in the process of walking, running and any movements associated with moving the body in space. Due to its complex structure, the ankle is able to withstand fairly high loads without any damage to the ligaments and muscles.

It is important to know where the anatomical boundaries of the joint are. In medicine, it is customary to talk about the upper border, located at the level of a line passing 5-7 centimeters above the medial malleolus. The lower border is drawn along a line that connects the lower parts of both ankles. Everything that lies below it belongs to the foot.

In the structure of the ankle joint, several anatomical structures are distinguished: the bone formations that form the joint, the ankle muscles and their tendons, and the ligamentous apparatus. In addition, all parts of the ankle are actively supplied with blood and innervated, which is necessary for their normal functioning.

Important! All structures of the ankle are combined into one structural and functional unit that performs a specific motor function - the movement of the foot relative to the lower leg. If any of the joint formations are damaged, a person experiences unpleasant symptoms that can progress quickly.

Bone structures

Three bones form the articulation: the tibia, fibula, and talus. It should be noted that both tibias together create a “socket” into which the talus anatomically fits, forming the trochlear shape of the ankle joint.

This structure provides the ability to perform the required range of movements with a low risk of developing subluxations and dislocations.

The photo describing the bones shows their main parts that form the ankle - the medial and lateral malleolus, the distal tibia, and the upper part of the talus structure.

In addition to the form-building function, the bone formations contain depressions and areas of roughness to which the main ligaments and tendons of the muscles are attached.

The inner surface of the bone sections that form the joint is covered with a thin layer of cartilage tissue, which ensures the functioning of the entire ankle joint and reduces the load on the bone structures.

It is the articular cartilage that ensures the integrity of the entire ankle, and when it is damaged, arthritis and arthrosis develop, characterized by discomfort, pain and other symptoms.

Type of ankle

Most people are aware of where the ankle joint is. The joint is located on the border between the lower leg and foot, functionally connecting both parts. The ankle has a certain shape and external landmarks, which makes it possible to assess its condition during an external examination.

On the outside is the lateral malleolus of the tibia, clearly visible in every person and represented by a bony outgrowth.

On the inside of the leg there is a medial malleolus, which is part of the fibula.

Between the two bones there is a connective tissue membrane that ensures their connection to each other and prevents the lower leg from moving during walking, running and other movements.

Between the two ankles is the upper surface of the talus, which is involved in the formation of the articular cavity.

The latter is lined with cartilage tissue and has a small amount of free synovial fluid, which acts as a “lubricant” during motor activity. The articular capsule, which limits the joint cavity itself, is tightly fixed to the bone structures.

Muscle groups

Movements in the joint become possible thanks to the muscles of the ankle joint, which are usually divided into flexors and extensors based on the movement performed at the time of their contraction.

The triceps surae muscle (gastrocnemius and soleus), long flexors of the fingers and thumb, plantar and tibialis posterior muscles are classified as flexors, since when they work, the foot bends and is retracted back into the same plane as the lower leg.

The extensors include the following muscles of the ankle joint: long extensor muscles of the fingers and thumb, as well as the tibialis anterior muscle.

In addition, when several muscle formations contract at once, the ankle may deviate inward and outward.

All muscles are fixed to the bones not directly, but through tendons, represented by connective tissue. This allows you to increase the strength of the connection and prevent muscle fiber ruptures during intense work.

Ligamentous apparatus

In addition to the fact that the ankle joint is formed by bones, ligaments play an important role, fixing the bone structures relative to each other in the desired position. The ankle has three main ligaments, the anatomy of which is significantly different from each other:

• tibiofibular syndesmosis, consisting of four separate bundles of connective tissue: interosseous, posterior inferior, transverse and anterior inferior ligaments. Together they fix the tibia and fibula in relation to each other, ensuring their stability during any movement of the ankle;
• external collateral ligaments, fixed on the lateral malleolus and talus, protect the joint from dislocation when the foot is placed in an unfortunate position while walking or running;
• The deltoid ligament, located on the inside of the joint, connects the talus, calcaneus and navicular bones of the foot. This structure provides anatomical integrity to the hindfoot.

The entire ligamentous apparatus located in the joint area protects the joint from possible injuries that occur as a result of incorrect movement mechanics during any activity.

Carefully! Ligament injuries are the most common ankle injury that occurs during sudden movements, poor positioning of the foot while walking and active sports.

Blood supply to the ankle

Blood flow in the muscles, ligaments and bones is provided by three tibial arteries: two tibial and one peroneal, which arise from the popliteal artery.

In the area of ​​the articular joint itself, the arterial vessels break up into small branches that penetrate all formations of the ankle joint, ensuring the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to them.

Venous blood drains into the deep and superficial veins of the leg, which then join to ultimately form the femoral and iliac veins. When the outflow of blood is disrupted, a person develops varicose veins, which are characterized by damage to the venous vessels of the leg and ankle joint.

The outflow of interstitial fluid, that is, lymph, is ensured by a system of lymphatic vessels that collect it and deliver it through a complex of lymph nodes to the venous system.

Functions of the joint

Movements in the ankle joint are limited by its anatomical structure. The main motor activity is flexion and extension of the foot relative to the shin, which is necessary for walking, running and other movements. The range of motion reaches 90 degrees in adults and children.

In addition to flexion and extension of the foot, its minimal deviations to the sides of a few degrees are possible. This movement is not typical for the ankle joint and does not have serious functional significance.

All movements in the joint require simultaneous and coordinated work of the main muscles of the back, front and lateral surfaces of the lower leg.

During walking and running, such motor acts are completely unconscious, since a person does not think about the correct placement of the foot and the degree of muscle contraction. In childhood, such coordination is impaired, which is corrected during the learning process.

Conclusion

The ankle joint is an important anatomical structure that enables everyone to walk, run, and other basic motor skills. The joint has a complex structure, includes three bones, about ten muscles and a number of ligaments.

If any of this structure is damaged, a person experiences discomfort or pain in the joint area, and gait is impaired. In the absence of therapy, the pathology can cause disability due to dysfunction of the ankle joint.

In contact with

The name - ankle joint - speaks for itself. That is, the connection of the lower leg and foot occurs precisely with the help of this organ. Its stable operation is very important for a person, since with the help The ankle joint ensures body mobility. However, it is he who is often injured. Avoiding this problem is quite simple, but recovery sometimes takes more than one month.

The structure of the ankle joint

A joint is a unit that connects bones. The ankle joint is formed by four main bones:

• fibular;
• tibial;
• heel;
• ram

The fibula and tibia, with the help of their thickened ends, cover the talus from above and from the sides. This joint is also called the ankle. As can be seen from the presented photo, the ends of the bones at the junction look special: one of them is convex and is called the head of the joint, the other is concave - the fossa. Their surfaces are covered with smooth elastic cartilage.

An equally important component of the joint are ligaments. – peculiar bundles of fibers that hold the bones in the desired position relative to each other. They are positioned so as to securely fix the bones and at the same time not impede their movement. Due to the elasticity of the ligaments, flexion and extension of varying amplitudes occur.

The work of a joint is impossible without the blood vessels with which it is entwined and the muscles that move it. Despite the fact that the latter are not an integral part of the organ, the leg cannot function without them.

The structure of the joint resembles a two-layer bag in which the bones are connected. Its purpose is to ensure tightness and produce synovial fluid - an elastic mass that fills cavities.

Functions

The ankle joint allows a person to move confidently, but at the same time smoothly and gracefully: going up and down stairs, rotating around its axis without lifting your toes from the floor. Basic The job of the ankle joint is to ensure smooth functioning of the foot. The result of their interaction – reliable support and movement of the whole body.

The ankle gives you the ability to move your foot up and down. And movement from side to side is provided by the connection of the talus and calcaneus. Thus, the structure of the joint allows the following actions:

• bend and straighten the ankle;
• rotate the foot.

Purpose of cartilage – reduction of friction and shock absorption during shocks and shocks while walking.

Main diseases of the ankle joint

A person can often experience pain in the ankle joint for two reasons: as a result of injury or when arthritis occurs. In the first case, the sensations are sharp, they occur instantly and are accompanied by swelling. In the second – The disease can develop over more than one month. But both ailments are accompanied by a complete or partial loss of the ability to move naturally.

For any disease, it is imperative to reduce pressure on the ankle joint. Urgent Necessity – reduce the activity of the organ as much as possible, that is, move as little as possible. Otherwise, the joint will not be able to recover normally. If the pain is severe and there is a danger of swelling, then they resort to various auxiliary means: canes or crutches.

Injuries

As a result of injury to the ankle joint, a fracture of one or more bones, sprain or rupture of ligaments, or dislocation may occur. Each of these injuries is accompanied by painful sensations. In this case, you should definitely contact a traumatologist. When transporting a patient, the leg should be immobilized as much as possible or at least the ankle joint should be fixed.

When diagnosing, the force of the impact or fall is taken into account, as well as the extent to which the organ has lost its functionality. In addition to a visual examination, a specialist doctor will definitely send the victim for an x-ray. Depending on the result, treatment will be chosen.

The primary task of the doctor after confirming the diagnosis of a dislocated ankle joint is to align the bones, that is, restore their connection in the joint in its natural position. This can be done either through simple manipulations (by hand) or through surgical procedures.

One of the fairly effective and proven ways to restore normal functioning of the ankle joint is physiotherapy. The following procedures help promote healing and significantly reduce inflammation:

• exposure to ultrasound;
• hydromassage;
• cold therapy;
• fluid therapy – irrigation with a stream of oxygen.

Arthritis

One of the most common diseases affecting the ankle joint is arthritis. This disease occurs as a result of damage to cartilage. In this case, the bone is exposed, which leads to inflammation of the organ.

The main symptom of arthritis is ankle pain., which intensifies while moving up the stairs, when putting on or taking off shoes. Sometimes a person may hear a clicking sound or feel a catch on the side of the foot. Increased inflammation may be indicated by swelling and redness of the limb. In very advanced cases, there is a loss of normal free movement of the leg.

However, symptoms of arthritis do not bother patients all the time. This is directly related to activity: if the number of movements is moderate, then the joint has time to both work and rest, but if it is excessive, then inflammation of the organ occurs. The causes of the disease may be:

• previous fractures of the bones of the joint, which violate the integrity of the cartilage tissue;
• sprain of the ligaments, due to which proper stability of the joint is not ensured;
• excess weight of a person, as a result of which the pressure on the lower limbs significantly increases;
• the nature of the work (without sitting down all day) or constant participation in professional sports, causing increased stress on the legs.

Treatment of ankle arthritis – This is, first of all, a reduction in inflammation. You can significantly reduce the feeling of pain using cold compresses. It is also recommended to use them for ankle or foot injuries. To alleviate the condition, anti-inflammatory therapy can be carried out as prescribed by a doctor.

Surgical treatment of a joint for arthritis is extremely rare. It is used only when conservative methods are powerless, the disease is accompanied by severe pain and the person cannot move without aids. But even in this case, it is recommended to consult several specialists. If surgery is indicated, fusion of the ankle joint or prosthetics is often performed.

In some particularly severe cases, cortisone injections are prescribed. This hormonal drug prevents the development of inflammation. With fairly long-term use, it can significantly reduce the incidence of the disease.

Prevention of injuries and illnesses

The foot and ankle joint perform their functions not only when a person moves, but also when standing and sitting, that is, most of the waking time. Therefore, injuries to these body parts – quite a common occurrence. In addition, many have a tendency to sprain and tear ligaments.

One of the most effective ways to protect your lower limbs from damage is regular massage. It promotes the development of elasticity and strengthens the muscles and ligaments of the joint. Thus, the leg will not twist at the slightest carelessness, and if this happens, the consequences will not be severe.

What you wear is also important. To avoid injury or the development of arthritis, you need to take your choice of shoes seriously. So, a properly selected pair will significantly relieve and reduce stress on the foot and ankle. There is an opinion that shoes and insoles should allow the foot to absorb shock.

However, this is not the case. Shoes or boots that are too soft cause more movement of the joint, which can increase inflammation and pain. The best option – shoes that securely fit and provide stability to the foot.

Losing body weight will significantly reduce problems with the ankle joint. In addition, such a measure will relieve not only the foot and ankle, but will also help relieve tension in other joints of the lower extremities.

In cases where a person is actively involved in sports or involved in heavy work that involves stress on the legs, it is recommended to wrap the ankle joint with elastic bandages, tapes, or use special support stockings.

Try to give your feet some relief, choose your shoes carefully, and pay attention to even minor pains and tingling sensations in the joints of your feet at the end of the day. After all If detected in time, the disease can be cured even without the use of medications, but you will have to struggle with the neglected ones for a long time.

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The ankle joint is an important mechanism consisting of musculoskeletal formations, thanks to the coordinated work of which not only every movement of the foot is ensured, but also the vertical stability of a person is regulated. The joint regulates a wide range of movements performed by the foot, perceives and softens impulses from the sole when moving or jumping, and ensures the maneuverability of a person’s movement. However, it is this part of the leg, which is the area between the lower leg and the foot, that is most vulnerable to various mechanical damage and diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature. Losing time after the first symptoms of joint dysfunction aggravates the situation and can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as arthritis.

Appearance and elements of the ankle joint

Ankle structure

The ankle joint is a system of connections between muscles, bones and tendons that ensures the distribution of the load transmitted by the human musculoskeletal system to the foot, the translational and rotational movements of the leg when moving or experiencing loads.

Appearance of the bony part of the joint

In the anatomy of the joint, it is customary to distinguish groups of paired sections, such as internal and external; front and back. The structure of the ankle joint consists of the front part, which is the back of the foot, and the back part, located in the area of ​​​​the Achilles tendon. The upper limit of the ankle area passes at a distance of 8 cm above the visible convexity on the side of the inner surface, and is called the medial malleolus.

What is the medial part of the ankle?

The line located between the lateral malleolus, located on the opposite side from the medial part, is the anatomical boundary separating the ankle and foot of a person.

This is what the anterior lateral part of the ankle looks like

The structure of the ankle joint is a movable unit of articular formation, consisting of:

1. ram;
2. heel;
3. tibia;
4. fibula.

The anatomy of the tibia and fibula, which have thickenings at the ends, make it possible to limit the talus in the upper and lateral parts. The bones at the end are a fossa in the form of a concave formation on one side and a convex part, which is the head of the joint, on the other. The lower end of the tibia is arched and its anatomy includes a process on the inner side and two processes called the malleolus on the front and back of the tibia.

The anterior and posterior protrusions of the articular surface make up the surface of the inner ankle, and the anterior element is characterized by larger dimensions compared to the posterior one. The ligament, which has a deltoid shape along with a system of muscles that provide movement of the joint, connects to the ankle without the participation of articular elements from the inside of the structure. On the outer surface, on the side opposite to the deltoid ligament, there is cartilage that performs protective functions.

Ankle ligament and muscle system

The function of ligaments is to hold the bones and ensure their specific location relative to each other. Their anatomy consists of clusters of fibers in the form of bundles, arranged in such a way that, on the one hand, they do not impede the movement of bone structures when performing an action; on the other hand, ensure the strength of the fixed position of the bones. The flexibility inherent in the ligaments allows them to provide flexion and extension movements with the required amplitude parameters. The structure of the ankle joint includes ligaments that are located on both sides of the lateral surfaces of the joint; on the inside, its anatomy is represented by the deltoid ligament. The outer side of the ankle is made up of the calcaneal, tibial, anterior, and posterior talofibular ligaments.

The ligament between the bones connects the tibia and fibula elements, the posterior lower complex of muscles and tendons of the leg in combination with the transverse element prevents excessive amplitude of rotation of the foot in the internal direction. Rotation in the external direction, exceeding physiologically determined limits, is limited by the lower anterior tibiofibular ligament. The talofibular ligament in its lower part becomes the calcaneofibular ligament. The deltoid ligament, together with the talus fibular and peroneal calcaneal muscle groups, act as elements connecting the bones of the human ankle joint.

The structure of the ankle joint ligaments has a two-layer bursa structure in which the bone tissue is enclosed between the space of the muscles that move the leg. One of the tasks performed by the joint is to ensure a tight fit of the muscles to the bone; its other purpose is to produce a plastic mass that serves as a filler for cavities.

The ankle joint is supplied with blood by three arteries that branch into a network of smaller elements in the area of ​​the joint capsule. The outflow of blood through the veins is ensured by the vascular system located inside and around the joint. The branching of the blood supply network allows you to effectively deliver nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the structure and drain blood through the vein system, which has released useful substances.

Functions performed

• The ankle joint uniformly transfers the mass of the entire human body over the area of ​​the foot. The structure of the ankle provides shock absorption of the sharp impacts and shocks experienced by the surface of the foot during walking and running and transmitted through the cartilage to the joint and then to the upper part of the human leg.

Most common ankle injuries

• The coordinated work of the parts of the ankle makes it possible to stabilize the body in an upright position when walking and ensures smooth movements when ascending or descending. The movement of the foot in both directions in the vertical direction is ensured by the ankle, and the connection of the calcaneus and talus is responsible for movement in the lateral areas.
• When moving on an uneven surface, the anatomy of the ankle muscles allows it to carry out timely tension and relaxation of the fibers to maintain the stability of the human body in the plane of the vertical axis.

The ankle joint is capable of rotating around its own axis with an amplitude of 60-90° and an axis describing a radius around the outer part of the ankle.

Ankle diseases

Please note: The ankle joint, due to its anatomy that connects many elements together, is the most vulnerable part of the leg, precisely because of the large number of parts that make up it. Reliability theory states that the more elements a system contains, the less likely it is to operate without failure. This judgment fully applies to the ankle, which contains a large number of structures exposed to various vulnerabilities. Its most common diseases are:

• An ankle fracture is one of the most common traumatic events that occurs in the case of immature ligaments when making a sudden movement in or out of the ankle. In the case when the ankle joint is damaged, it is impossible for a person to lean on the damaged limb, due to acute pain, the area where the disorder is concentrated swells.
• Tendinitis is an inflammatory process in the Achilles tendon area, which manifests itself in the form of pain symptoms that occur when walking or running. The disease is dangerous due to possible complications such as damage to the integrity of tendon tissue and the possibility of arthritis.
• Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory process in the ankle and adjacent joints, the occurrence of which can be caused by many factors. Inflammatory processes are characterized by the fact that they are not necessarily a consequence of damage to the integrity of the joint. Painful symptoms of arthritis are especially pronounced at night, and during the day it manifests itself when there is a load on the ankle, for example when walking. Symptoms of the disease intensify when putting on shoes and when moving up stairs.

How does ankle arthritis manifest?

• Deforming arthrosis is an extremely dangerous disease, since if treatment is not started in a timely manner, it can lead to loss of mobility, limitation in the ability to move and disability of a person. This type of arthrosis develops against the background of previous injuries to the areas of the talus, tibia, or damage to the inner and outer ankles. If bones are damaged, a surface with uneven relief may form on them. When such a bone comes into contact with other elements in the articular area, the smoothness of movement and gliding of the joint is disrupted, and there is a high probability of a tumor occurring and a change in a person’s gait.
• A sprain affects the ankle joint and its main symptom is swelling caused by blood leaking into the inner and outer parts of the foot.

Ankle sprain

• Osteoarthritis is a decrease in joint mobility due to the presence of trauma to cartilage tissue on the inner surface of the joint.

In case of any malfunction, it is necessary to reduce the load on the ankle joint; depending on the severity of the disease, it is necessary to immobilize it. To carry out an accurate diagnosis and prescribe measures for the treatment of the disease, you need to consult a specialist who, based on external signs, a description of the symptoms of the disease and using an X-ray, MRI or ultrasound, will determine the degree of damage to the joint structures and prescribe treatment.

Video. How to recover an ankle after an injury

The ankle is one of the most important organs, more precisely a system of connection between muscles, bones and tendons, providing not only a person’s vertical stability, but also his maneuverability and the performance of the necessary functions by the foot. Other functions of the joint include providing rotation of the plane of the foot in several directions and cushioning the loads experienced by a person’s legs when walking and running. Damage to one of the many organs that make up this system can lead to immobilization and even disability. Timely and proper care of the injured surface of the leg and prevention of possible damage are very important, including, for example, the use of a bandage if there is a risk of damage.

As a result of evolution, man began to walk upright, and the musculoskeletal and musculoskeletal systems underwent serious changes. is a support for the entire human skeleton. It is able to withstand incredible loads, while providing full movement of both feet.

Due to its purpose, the foot regularly experiences pressure exerted by the entire weight of a person. The ligaments of the ankle joint play an important role in ease of movement. The anatomical features of the structure of the foot, which directly affect the strength of the lower leg, did not go unnoticed.

The structure of the ankle allows a person to move with a maximum amplitude of 60-90 0 . We can safely call this ankle joint the most maneuverable. The capabilities of the foot are no less amazing.

Its structure allows you to perform the following manipulations:

• Circular rotations.
• Deviations in different directions (inward, outward, upward).
• Flexion and extension.

But despite all the advantages, the ankle joint of the leg is very susceptible

Unpleasant deformities:

• Fractures.
• Injuries of the ligamentous apparatus.
• Cracks.

These problems allow us to judge the absolute insecurity of this area.

Joint structure

Due to the labor-intensive work of the ankle, its structure is quite complex.

There is an interconnection of such structures as:

• bone;
• ligamentous;
• muscular;
• blood supply structure;
• nervous system.

The ankle joint of the leg is visually divided into sections. The top of the foot is the forefoot that has the greatest mobility. It starts above the ankle line less than 8 cm.

The back of the ankle is the area of ​​the Achilles tendon. This area can without a doubt be called the most massive and strong part of the joint. In the area of ​​the lateral part of the ankle there is an outer section, and the area of ​​the medial ankle serves as the border of the inner section of the ankle. The middle section (the combination of the previous two) provides stability to the foot.

External department

Its task is to provide mobility to the toes.

For this purpose, nature has provided the following joints:

• Metatarsophalangeal. Type of ball and socket joints.
• Interphalangeal. Type of block connections.

The lateral ankle ligaments strengthen the capsules of each joint, providing stability.

Middle section

The internal (middle) section is equipped with two connections:

• Less mobile calcaneocuboid.
• More mobile is the talocalcaneal-navicular.

Their combination gives rise to the intertarsal joint.

Posterior

It is formed by two important bones: the talus and the calcaneus. The latter performs a shock-absorbing function.

Articular bones

• Big tibia.
• Small tibia.

Both frame the trochlear prominence of the talus, connecting directly to the human foot.

The structure of the lower extremities is divided into:

It is the talus tarsal bone that connects to the ankle.

The lateral sides of the ankle are distinguished by the presence of a lateral and medial malleolus. Their anatomical dissimilarity (one is shorter and wider) ensures the mobility of this area.

The tendons of the muscles of the thin tubular bone of the leg are attached to the posterior edge. The outer surface connects the lateral ligaments with the fascia (connective tissue membranes). The inner covering of the ankle is hyaline cartilage. Together with the talus, it creates the ankle gap, which ensures its stability. And the special arrangement of bones in the foot forms the transverse and longitudinal arches.

The bones that form a joint are held together by a set of ligaments. They monitor the stability of the joint.

All components of the ankle are connected to each other by tendons. Nutrition of tissues is provided by the circulatory system. And sensitivity is nerve endings.

Joint ligaments

The ligamentous system is divided into three important groups:

First group

Fixes the bones of the lower leg together. Its task is to prevent their displacement.

This important role is played by such ligaments as:

• Interosseous.
• Rear lower.
• Anterior inferior fibular.
• Transverse.

They do not allow the shin to turn inward or outward, fixing the foot.

Second group

It consists of external collateral ligaments, which can be called in one word - deltoid. Their task is to strengthen the outer edge of the tarsus.

This connecting bundle originates in the area of ​​the outer ankle. This is the most powerful connection of the ankle ligaments.

Third group

Based on internal lateral ligaments. The anatomical name is tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Consists of the following tibial ligaments:

• Scaphoid.
• Heel.
• Astragal (anterior and posterior).

They also start on the inner ankle. Their function is to keep the tarsal bones from displacement and excessive rotation.

Muscular system

The anatomy of the ankle joint cannot be imagined without muscle bundles. They “turn on” the motor activity of the lower leg, provide stability to the whole body during movement, and are responsible for shock absorption. Directly in this area, there are 8 large muscles, each of which has its own attachment point and role. According to their purpose, the muscles are arranged into specific groups. Thanks to their timely contraction or relaxation, the human body is fixed in a certain position.

For example, the triceps muscle, which is derived from the fusion of the calf muscle, soleus muscle, and plantaris muscle, moves the toes. To help her, the tibia (on the back of the leg) and the finger flexor muscles work.

The opposite actions are carried out by: also the tibial (anterior) and extensors. Other actions of the foot, such as abduction, extension, are provided by the tibialis muscles (short and long). They also participate in pronation and supination in conjunction with the tibia muscles. In the posterior region, the ankle joint is strengthened by the Achilles tendon.

Blood supply

Three branches of blood arteries are responsible for blood circulation and nutrition. Passing through the joint area, they branch into small vascular networks, supplying all parts with blood.

Venous outflow is carried out thanks to the external and internal network of vessels. Closely located vessels form anastomoses (connections).

Lymphatic vessels flow in the direction of the blood vessels, producing lymph outflow.

Video

Video - Anatomy of the ankle joint

Nerve endings

In addition to the blood vessels through the ankle joint, nerve endings branch:

1. Nerve inside the ankles (tibialis).

2. Nerve on the outside of the ankles (peroneal).

3. Sural nerves.

Any affect nerve endings, especially those on the outer surface.

Possible ankle problems

Many people have experienced ankle problems more than once. This is due to the presence of constant loads, an increased risk of injury, and age-related wear and tear.

Injuries

The largest number, anatomy is to blame.

The most common damage:

• sprains and tears of the connecting link;
• dislocations and subluxations of the lower leg;
• fractures and cracks of bones.

The leading place in the risk group is given to athletes whose injuries occupy about 10-15% of the total. This is explained by the active work of the lower leg and the high load on the joint in weightlifters. People who play basketball and football often suffer from sprains.

The result of injury is pain, swelling, and the inability to move the limb. Damage varies in severity, which only a doctor can determine.

Important: timely contact with a traumatologist will help avoid serious consequences. An undetected injury to the tibia can lead to deformation of the joint cavity.

Inflammation

The development of inflammatory joint diseases is caused by many factors, from injuries and pathologies to age-related changes and heredity.

The most common among them are:

• arthritis that occurs due to injury, infection, or as a concomitant disease (for example, gout);
• osteoporosis – affects cartilage tissue, impairing joint mobility;
• arthrosis – associated with age-related changes. Bone overgrowth (osteophytes) is characteristic;
• tendonitis – characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Delayed treatment leads to repeated injuries;
• bursitis - changes occur in the synovial bursa, which makes it difficult for the tendons to work.

The pathology is explained by the structure of the ankle joint, which is forced to withstand constant loads.

Factors such as:

• incorrectly selected shoes;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• unbalanced diet;
• advanced age;

serve as a stumbling block on the path to a healthy ankle.

Spinal problems and other diseases

The cause of pain in the lower leg area is often problems of the spinal column.

These include:

When the sciatic nerve is pinched, the pain is concentrated in the buttock area, running along the length of the entire limb to the ankle.

Pain in the ankle area also occurs due to cardiovascular diseases. Blocked veins (thrombosis) cause severe pain in the human ankle joint.

Disruptions in blood circulation provoke insufficient nutrition of tissues. Soreness is also present, although relatively mild.

Diagnosis and treatment

If you have the first signs of a problem (pain, swelling, difficulty moving, redness), you should immediately visit a specialist. After conducting certain diagnostics, the doctor will establish a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Important: self-medication is unacceptable. Incorrectly selected therapy is fraught with serious consequences, including complete immobilization.

Diagnostic methods include: complete blood count, x-ray of the affected area, ultrasound.

Treatment of ankle problems is comprehensive. Drug therapy is complemented by various methods of physiotherapy (mud therapy, electrophoresis). The importance of physical therapy cannot be ruled out. In difficult cases, surgery may be necessary.

The ankle joint is a mobile combination of the foot and lower leg, containing a limited number of bones united by some cartilage and muscles. Among other things, the ankle joint is surrounded by a well-coordinated complex of blood vessels and nerve bundles that support and control its vital functions.

The ankle joint is responsible for performing most of the various maneuvers, reducing stress as much as possible while allowing the foot to remain dynamic.

The ankle joint realizes its existence through the bones - the tibia and fibula and the adjacent talus. The ends of the tibia and the outgrowth of the talus organize the base part of the ankle, where the following divisions are distinguished: the outer malleolus, the plane of the tibia and the inner malleolus.

The outer ankle is divided into anterior and posterior edges and has two planes - external And internal. The connecting territories of the joint in the form of fascia and ligaments are adjacent to the outer surface. The inner plane, together with the area of ​​the talus, merge into the outer fissure of the ankle. There is a process on the inner side of the plane of the tibia.

At the ends of the tibia there are two outgrowths called the anterior and posterior malleolus. The outer edge of the tibia has a notch with projections on both edges. This notch serves as a place for immersion of a limited area of ​​the outer ankle.

The external appendage of the tibia is classified into divisions - anterior and posterior. However, a separate bone formation, called the ridge, separates the medial part of the joint plane from the lateral one. The tubercles, both anterior and posterior, form the inner malleolus. The larger, anterior tubercle is cut off from the posterior tubercle by a notch.

The ankle fascia and ligament attach directly to the medial malleolus. The outer part of the ankle and the inner plane of the talus jointly become the inner ankle cleft.

Muscles and blood vessels of the ankle joint

The muscles that allow you to perform diverse maneuverable movements of the foot are concentrated on two planes of the joint - rear And outdoor. They are irreplaceably involved in the coherence of the joint, keeping bones and ligaments in a strictly organized order. They are divided into flexors and extensors.

The tibialis posterior, triceps, plantar, long flexors of the thumb and other toes are all flexor muscles of the foot. In contrast to them, the extensor muscles work, in particular the tibialis anterior, as well as the long extensors of the big and other toes.

Blood supply, along with the muscle corset, constantly protects the life support of the joint. Three main arteries - the peroneal, anterior and posterior tibial - supply the ankle tissue with all the necessary substances. Near the joint capsule, ankles and ligaments, an organized network of vessels flows, caused by the branching of the arteries.

The intake of waste liquids, enriched with carbon dioxide and decay products, moves through various vessels, ultimately converging into veins: tibial and subcutaneous.

Ankle injuries and diseases, prevention

Due to the constant, incessant, and often exceeding permissible norms load on the ankle joint, injuries and diseases occur with enviable regularity. The bony and connective divisions of the joint, and sometimes its nervous component, may be affected.

Commonly diagnosed lesions include:

1. Arthritis. A particularly popular ailment of the ankle joint. The most common harbingers are: infectious lesions, gout, trauma, autoimmune diseases, old age.
2. Ankle fracture. According to statistics, it is one of the ankle injuries regularly diagnosed by surgeons. It occurs mainly in professional athletes, children, elderly people, as well as people involved in ballet or dancing.
3. Carpal tunnel syndrome. A disease of the nervous system caused by damage to the posterior tibial nerve. The disease progresses to damage to the Achilles, which is fraught with rupture and the need for surgical intervention.
4. Sprains, sprains, subluxations of the ankle. Injuries most often affecting the health of athletes, dancers, stuntmen, children and the elderly. The causes of injuries can be: incorrect foot placement during physical activity, neglect of protective equipment, unsuccessful landing, falling in icy conditions, sudden change in foot position.

Prevention of joint injury involves the following measures:

1. Playing sports in special shoes, using protective equipment when cycling, rollerblading, skating, snowboarding.
2. Limited wearing of shoes with heels, high platforms, and shoes without foot support or lack of arch support, such as open clogs or sandals.
3. Regular physical activity on the ankle, including joint exercises, physical therapy, mandatory warm-up before playing sports.
4. Physiotherapy for ankle injuries or related occupational activities affecting the joint. Iontophoresis, magnetic therapy, various baths, mud therapy, electrophoresis, and massage are used.
5. Go to the hospital if you have a joint injury, as well as symptoms such as pain, crunching, cracking, loss or limitation of mobility, loss of sensitivity, swelling and hematomas.
6. Inclusion in the diet of vitamin and mineral complexes designed to make joint function satisfactory, especially in old age, when chronic joint diseases are detected and injuries are present.
7. No hypothermia of the joint due to the need to preserve nerve endings. You should avoid long swims in cold water, dress appropriately for the weather, avoid hypothermia, and if there is such, warm your feet as quickly as possible by rubbing or taking a hot bath.

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