The Ankle 

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What is its function?

The ankle joint is important in human balance and gait, being responsible for transferring the body weight to the foot and performing motions which are essential to gait. Owing to its rigidity, it maintains body balance, and owing to its flexibility, it provides a comfortable, smooth, and nearly effortless human gait. The ankle joint is a synovial hinge joint that is made up of the articulation of three bones, comprising three articulations: the talocrural joint, the subtalar joint, and the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Therefore, it is much more than a simple hinge joint because of its unique design.

   

What is at is the functional ROM of the ankle?

ROM - Range of Motion

Several studies have indicated an overall ROM in the sagittal plane of between 65 and 75°, moving from 10 to 20° of dorsiflexion through to 40–55° of plantarflexion. The total range of motion (ROM) in the frontal plane is approximately 35° (23° inversion − 12° eversion).

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What is the functional classification of the ankle joint?

A hinge type joint

The ankle joint (or talocrural joint) is a synovial joint located in the lower limb. It is formed by the bones of the leg (tibia and fibula) and the foot (talus). Functionally, it is a hinge type joint, permitting dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot.

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What is functional ankle pain?

Functional ankle instability (FAI) is a common sequela of ankle sprain, affecting approximately 32% to 47% of patients with symptoms including sensations of giving way, subsequent sprains, and instability.

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What causes functional ankle instability?

Functional instability may be caused by specific insufficiencies in proprioception, neuromuscular control, postural control, or strength. Mechanical instability may be caused by factors that alter the mechanics of one or more joints within the ankle complex.

 

What is functional ankle dorsiflexion?

Dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (up and down), inversion/eversion (in and out), and. pronation/supination (arch down and arch up). While having adequate mobility in each direction is important, dorsiflexion, or the ability for the foot/ankle to move upward towards the ceiling, has the most functional implications.

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What is functional and mechanical ankle instability?

Mechanical ankle instability is induced by ligament laxity; while functional ankle instability is caused by postural control deficits, neuromuscular deficits, muscle weakness, and proprioceptive deficits.

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What is the anatomy of the ankle?

The ankle joint is where your shin bone (tibia), calf bone (fibula) and talus bone meet. It joins your foot to your lower leg. Your ankle also contains cartilage, ligaments, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Your ankles move in two main directions and you use them any time you move your feet and legs.

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What are the 3 joints of the ankle?

The ankle joint is a complex of articulations between the distal ends of the tibia and its medial malleolus, lateral malleolus of the fibula, and the trochlear surface of the talus.