The Ankle

Anatomy &

INJURIES

Bone Stability

• Tibia, Fibula, Talus

• Form the “Ankle Mortise”

• Very stable joint

• Most injured joint

Difference in Stability

Ankle Ligaments (lateral side)

Ankle ligaments (medial side)

Ankle Muscles

• Extensor / Flexor digitorum

• Extensor / Flexor hallux

• Tibialis Anterior – Dorsiflex and invert

• Tibialis Posterior – Plantarflex and invert

• Peroneal longus/brevis – Plantarflex and evert

• Gastrochnemius/soleus – Plantarflex

Ankle Injuries

• Sprains

• Strains

• Contusions

• Fractures

• Dislocations / Subluxations

• Tendonitis

• Bursitis

Inversion Sprains

• Most common sports injury

• Plantarflexion and Inversion

Eversion Sprains

• Injure the Deltoid Ligament

• Less common than Inversion Sprains

• Usually results in an ankle fracture or knee injury

“High Ankle Sprain”

• Syndesmotic Joint

• Tibiofibular ligaments

• Injury mechanism – ankle external rotation

• Very long recovery time

• Difficult rehab (weight bearing)

Kicking injuries?

Running Injuries

Lifting Injuries

Contact Sport Injuries

Care for Ankle Injuries

• R – rest

• I - ice

• C – compression

• E - elevation

Ankle Rehabilitation

• Decrease Swelling• Increase ROM

– Passive / Active ROM

• Increase Strength– Isometric followed by isotonic

• Increase Weight Bearing• Increase Achilles Flexibility• Increase Function• Return to Activity