Ankle Anatomy

The ankle is a hinged joint capable of moving in two directions: away from the body (plantar flexion), and toward the body (dorsiflexion). It is formed by the meeting of three bones: the end of the shin bone of the leg (tibia) and a small bone in the leg (fibula) meet a large bone in the foot to form the ankle.

The hard bony knobs on each side of the ankle are called the malleoli. These provide stability to the ankle and function as the weight-bearing joints of the foot. The ankle joint is surrounded by fibrous tissue; tendons are attached to the large muscles of the leg and foot and wrap around the front and back of the ankle. The normal ankle has the ability to move the foot in a flex-and-relax motion during use.

There are a myriad of conditions that might require treatment and/or surgery of the foot and ankle, such as sports injuries, degenerative disorders, and birth defects. After examination and review of your medical history, a physician will discuss possible methods of treatment for your problem and let you know if surgery is necessary.

The information below highlights some of the most common conditions we treat and procedures our surgeons perform. It is intended for informational purposes only.