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The ankle includes three joints: the ankle joint proper or talocrural joint, the subtalar joint, and the inferior tibiofibular joint. [3] [4] [5] The movements produced at this joint are dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot. In common usage, the term ankle refers exclusively to the ankle region.
The human foot is a strong and complex mechanical structure containing 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively articulated), and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments. [2] The joints of the foot are the ankle and subtalar joint and the interphalangeal joints of the foot.
The leg muscles acting on the foot are called the extrinsic foot muscles whilst the foot muscles located in the foot are called intrinsic. [28] Dorsiflexion (extension) and plantar flexion occur around the transverse axis running through the ankle joint from the tip of the medial malleolus to the tip of the lateral malleolus.
These muscles, acting via the tendon, cause plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle joint, and (except the soleus) flexion at the knee. Abnormalities of the Achilles tendon include inflammation ( Achilles tendinitis ), degeneration, rupture , and becoming embedded with cholesterol deposits ( xanthomas ).
The tibialis posterior muscle is a key muscle for stabilization of the lower leg. It also contracts to produce inversion of the foot, and assists in the plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle. [3] The tibialis posterior has a major role in supporting the medial arch of the foot.
The tibialis anterior muscle is the most medial muscle of the anterior compartment of the leg. [1] [better source needed] The muscle ends in a tendon which is apparent on the anteriomedial dorsal aspect of the foot close to the ankle. [citation needed] Its tendon is ensheathed in a synovial sheath.
Along with the soleus muscle, the gastrocnemius forms half of the calf muscle. Its function is plantar flexing the foot at the ankle joint and flexing the leg at the knee joint. The gastrocnemius is primarily involved in running, jumping and other "fast" movements of leg, and to a lesser degree in walking and standing.
The flexor hallucis longus is situated on the fibular side of the leg. It arises from the inferior two-thirds of the posterior surface of the body of the fibula, with the exception of 2.5 cm at its lowest part; from the lower part of the interosseous membrane; from an intermuscular septum between it and the peroneus muscles, laterally, and from the fascia covering the tibialis posterior, medially.