The daily load on the ankle is enormous, because it is able to carry the entire body mass of a person. For this reason, the ankle is called the most vulnerable joint. Even the slightest trauma or damage to one of the ankle elements leads to the fact that a person loses the ability to move normally, since such situations are associated with severe pain. The bones of the ankle are very fragile.
An important point is careful attention to any manifestations of pain in the legs or changes in the feet. In this situation, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is better to identify the pathology in a timely manner and start therapy. Only in this case, the risk of complications is significantly reduced.
In the article, we consider the anatomy of the ankle ligaments.
Ankle structure
The anatomy of the ankle is quite complex, muscles, bones and ligaments are connected in its area. Thanks to the ankle, a person can maintain balance and move in the usual way. The muscular framework allows the bones to withstand significant loads, and also protects the musculoskeletal system from injury. The surrounding blood vessels provide nutrition to the entire ligament of the ankle joint.
The anatomy is not simple, therefore, it often causes damage, due to heavy loads. To avoid injuries, complications and inflammatory processes, you need to understand the structure of the ankle.
Bone frame
The ankle joint is located at the junction of the tibia and tibia, as well as the talus. There is also a talus-fibular ligament. All these bones form a cavity in which the joint is directly located. They also assume the main load during movement, since it is the ankle region that accounts for the entire mass of the human body.
The cavity, which is formed by the talus and tibia, is divided into three parts: the outer ankle, the distal and inner surface of the tibia. Fascia and tendons, including hyaline cartilage, are attached to the external ankle. Muscles, joints and tendons connect all the bones of the ankle and foot. This gives the foot flexibility and provides good cushioning while walking. The structure of the ankle joint is unique.
Calcaneus anatomy
The calcaneus can be safely considered the most massive of all those located in the foot area. The anatomy of the calcaneus is unique, its main function is a kind of springboard during movement. It is massive and has high endurance, but can be easily damaged under the influence of many factors. What pathologies in its area can be formed?
The calcaneus connects to other bones. It is located directly under the talus, which is connected to the heel by a short calcaneal process. Behind it is a powerful tubercle, from which the lateral and medial processes extend along the sole. The second connects to the flexor tendon. Next, the connection of the lateral process with a long plantar ligament is seen. The upper surface of the calcaneus is protected by the posterior talus articular surface associated with the posterior calcaneal articular surface of the subtalar joint.
Muscle
The ankle can move thanks to eight bundles of muscles that make it possible to bend the leg and perform rotational movements in a circle. This allows a person to move in normal mode and maintain balance. At the same time, the legs are not tucked up, since safety is provided by the muscles.
If the muscles contract poorly and there is a violation of their flexibility, then the person loses the ability to move on uneven surfaces, the legs can easily turn up, resulting in an increased risk of injuring the ankle joint.
Ankle muscles can be divided into several main groups:
- Bending. These include the plantar, triceps, posterior tibial muscles, as well as the flexors of the fingers.
- Extensor. These are the extensors of the fingers and the anterior tibial muscle.
- Pronators. They are responsible for rotational movements and include the short and long peroneal muscles.
- Arch support. This group includes the extensor of the thumb and the anterior peroneal muscle.
Ligaments
The anatomy of the ankle ligaments is presented below.
They are responsible for the normal functioning and movement of the joint, and they also hold bone elements in place. The most powerful is the deltoid ligament. It connects the talus, calcaneus and scaphoid bones (feet) with the inner ankle.
A powerful formation is the ligamentous apparatus of the tibiofibular syndesmosis.
The joint bag of the ankle joint is strengthened by three groups of durable ligaments. Collateral (lateral) are divided into internal (medial) ligaments of the ankle joint and external (lateral).
Holding the tibia together provides the interosseous ligament, a kind of continuation of the interosseous membrane. It goes into the lower back, which prevents the joint from turning too hard inward. Outward rotation does not allow the anterior lower tibial ligament. Its location is between the calcaneofibular ligament located on the surface of the tibia, and the outer ankle. Excessive rotation of the foot outward prevents the transverse ligament, which is located under the tibia.
What else is included in the structure of the ankle joint?
Achilles tendon
It is the strongest and largest in the human body. This is due to the fact that the Achilles tendon makes it possible for a person to walk, and therefore takes on a large load. On average, the strength of a given tendon is determined by approximately 350 kg when trying to break it. Moreover, he has a rather large vulnerability due to the fact that it is not flexible. The functions that the Achilles tendon performs are:
- Going straight.
- Depreciation on the move.
- The normal movement of the feet.
- The ability to run and jump.
Achilles tendon deformities and injuries usually occur if a person constantly wears uncomfortable shoes. Pathologies such as foot deformity or flat feet are also possible. The cause of a tendon rupture can be severe hypothermia, mechanical injury, or wearing high-heeled shoes.
Nerves and vessels
The circulatory system plays an important role in the work of the ankle joint. It provides the tissue with the necessary nutrition. The ankle is supplied with blood through three large arteries, but damage to the joint can also lead to vascular deformity, which will provoke insufficient flow to the feet.
Also, the ankle contains nerves that provide sensitivity and normal functioning of the feet and muscles. If the nerve endings are damaged, muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and numbness of the legs may develop.
Causes of ankle pain
When pain occurs in the ankle, it becomes difficult for a person to move. There is swelling of the ankles, as well as blue skin. It is impossible to fully step on the foot, as the pain intensifies. Thus, the ankle loses the ability to support the weight of a person.
Pain with damage to the ankle joint can be given to the shin or knee. Athletes are at increased risk of developing ankle pathology, since during training the stress and load on the joint exceed permissible limits. The lateral ligament of the ankle joint is damaged very often.
Soreness in this area indicates the presence of a serious disorder that requires qualified medical attention. Pain is manifested after injuries, sprains, dislocations or fractures. It may also indicate signs of damage to the joint cavity or cartilage.
How long does an ankle sprain heal ? This is a common question.
Only a medical professional can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the cause of the damage. As a rule, an examination is carried out and additional examinations are prescribed, such as ultrasound or radiological. If necessary, a blood test can also be prescribed, as well as a collection of joint fluid for histology.
Most often, pain in the ankle occurs as a result of the development of the following diseases:
1. Arthritis.
2. Arthrosis.
3. Gout.
All the diseases mentioned above are manifested by impaired motor activity and joint inflammation. The nature of the pain is growing and passing over time. Gout causes severe swelling and intense pain.
A cause of pain in the ankle joint can also be a cyst or other neoplasm of a benign or malignant nature. In this case, the pathology is palpated, the neoplasm begins to hurt when pressed and felt when moving. If the pain is accompanied by swelling, you should immediately go to the doctor.
If the disease is started, complications may develop, such as a complete loss of the ability to move the joint, as it is overgrown with bone tissue. In this case, the inflammatory process can advance further to adjacent joints and tissues, which will cause even more complications. How long does an ankle sprain heal? This requires an average of several days to a month and a half for healing, but the process can take up to six months, depending on the severity.
Therapy
Therapy for pain in the ankle depends on the nature and severity of the disease. In the case of an inflammatory process or injury to the joint, unloading of the damaged limb is provided. This will speed up the recovery process and prevent further destruction of articular tissues. In order to relieve inflammation and pain, as a rule, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, in some cases it can be corticosteroids.
During the rehabilitation period, the patient is shown therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy, mud therapy and other methods. Painkillers in the form of ointments and gels are also prescribed. Sometimes the cause of the onset of the disease is an autoimmune disorder, as well as the accumulation of salts in the joint. In this case, it will take a long special treatment according to a certain scheme. Therapy is carried out not symptomatically, but in order to eliminate the cause of the pathology.
Surgical intervention is indicated to remove cysts and tumors. During its conduct, neoplasms are removed and damaged tissues are restored. This measure is taken in advanced cases when conservative therapy no longer has the desired effect.
Sprain treatment
The most common pathology of the ankle joint is a deltoid ligament sprain. In this case, experts recommend the following measures to repair damaged tissues:
1. Reducing stress and motor activity of the joint. This is done to prevent further damage to the joint.
2. Local cooling of the joint. Ice can reduce swelling and create a numbing effect that will relieve soreness. Applying it to a damaged joint makes sense during the first 48 hours after being injured. The cooling procedure should not exceed 20 minutes, otherwise it may be frostbite. Between the two procedures should take a break of 1.5-2 hours. Ice can be wrapped in a towel.
3. Bandaging with elastic fabric. For this, special stretching bandages are used. The joint should be wrapped without crushing. If numbness appears, then the bandage was not applied correctly. Such a measure allows you to relieve swelling and provide restriction of movements. Bandaging the leg is required during the day while walking; you do not need to leave a bandage at night.
4. The leg should be higher, in a raised position relative to the body. Lying on the sofa, this can be achieved by placing a pillow under the damaged limb. In a sitting position, the leg can be laid on a chair.
5. A damaged joint is strictly forbidden to overheat, especially in the first week. Rubbing with alcohol and massage can worsen the condition. Therefore, hot baths and saunas should be avoided.
6. If within a day after receiving an injury, the functions of the ankle joint are not restored, and the condition of the joint worsens, you should consult a doctor. In this case, it is important to remove almost the entire load from a sore leg while walking. To do this, you can rely on the entire foot, and not on the heel.
Prevention
The main measure to help prevent damage to the deltoid and talus-fibular ligaments is a careful attitude to the ankle. Most often, pathologies develop in those who lead an inactive lifestyle or, conversely, load the joints too intensely. Compliance with certain recommendations will help to avoid problems with the ankle:
1. A balanced diet and bringing the weight to normal values. Excessive body weight increases the already significant load on the ankle.
2. Avoid the appearance of vitamin deficiency. This applies to nutrition, which must be proper, as well as taking special vitamin complexes.
3. To carry out the prevention of circulatory disorders. This requires regular special exercises.
4. Quitting bad habits like alcohol or smoking. Such habits negatively affect the human circulatory system.
5. If the work involves an intense load, then you should find time for a break and rest.
Conclusion
It is important to undergo a routine inspection. This will help to identify pathologies at the initial stage and avoid serious complications. This is especially true for those who have a genetic predisposition to joint diseases. Any injuries are also an occasion for immediate medical attention, as even minor damage can lead to unpredictable consequences.
We examined the anatomy of the ankle ligaments.