Our feet and ankles’ main functions are to support your body weight, provide balance, and transfer ground reaction forces. While they may be the most complex region of the body, they are built for a limited range of motion, and thus are very prone to injuries – especially your ankles.
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The ankle joint consists of three bones – the tibia (shin bone), the fibula (the bone running parallel to the tibia), and the talus (the bone on top of the heel bone). The ankle joint is responsible for the up and down movements of the foot while the subtalar joint, which exists below the ankle joint, is responsible for the side to side movements. Surrounding the ankle joints are a series of ligaments, muscles, and tendons that provide stability.
The foot is separated into 3 sections. The forefoot consists of the phalanges (toes) and the metatarsals (the long bones). The midfoot consists of bones that make up the arch such as the cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone, and the navicular bone. The hindfoot consists of the talus and the calcaneus bones. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments surround the foot and facilitate movement and balance. The Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the calf muscle, allows for running, jumping, and standing on the toes.
All in all, 28 bones, 33 joints, and 128 ligaments make up the foot and ankle complex. It may be one of the most complex regions of the human body, but they are essential in facilitating daily movements such as walking, running, and standing.
Owing to its limited range of movement, a sudden change in direction is enough to cause an injury to the ankle. In fact, a sprained ankle is the most common form of injury. Foot injuries are more likely to be caused by daily wear and tear. Common risk factors of ankle and foot injuries include:
Common injuries of the ankle and foot are:
Foot
Ankle
As there is a range of injuries that affect the foot and ankle, the symptoms will vary accordingly. Common symptoms include:
Untreated foot and ankle conditions can result in serious mobility issues. As such, it is recommended that an orthopaedic specialist be consulted early so that injuries can be treated timely.
Our doctors are trained and highly experienced in diagnosing and treating orthopaedics conditions. We aim to provide you with quality care by thoroughly assessing your condition and personalising your treatments to your needs and goals.