Foot & Ankle

 

The Anatomy of A Foot And Ankle

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.

 

Causes & Risk Factors of Foot And Ankle Injuries

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:

 

• Inappropriate footwear such as ill-fitting shoes or shoes not suitable for the activity (e.g. wearing sneakers while hiking)
• Having excess weight as it exerts greater pressure on the ankle and foot
• Regularly engaging in rigorous exercise
• Prior history of injuries
• Underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, and gout

 

Common injuries of the ankle and foot are:

 

Are You Experiencing Any of These Foot And Ankle Conditions

 

Common Symptoms of Foot And Ankle Conditions

As there is a range of injuries that affect the foot and ankle, the symptoms will vary accordingly. Common symptoms include:

 

• Pain (for fractures, the pain is sharp and immediate)
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Injured area feeling slightly warm to the touch
• Injured area appear deformed (for fractures/dislocations)

 

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.