Talocrural joint
This joint between the shin bones and the talus allows dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, the ankle's largest range of motion, essential for walking, running, and absorbing impact.
The ankle joint is formed where the shin bones meet the talus, a bone that also connects to the rest of the foot's complex arrangement of bones, joints, and arches that together distribute load during standing and movement.
Ligaments on the outer and inner sides of the ankle provide stability against the sideways forces generated during uneven surfaces or sudden directional changes, while the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia play central roles in propulsion and shock absorption, respectively.
Key structures
Lateral ligament complex
This group of ligaments, most notably the anterior talofibular ligament, resists excessive inward rolling of the foot and is the structure most often injured in a typical ankle sprain.
Deltoid ligament
This strong ligament on the inner ankle resists excessive outward rolling of the foot and is injured less frequently than the lateral ligaments, though such injuries can be more significant when they occur.
Achilles tendon
The body's largest tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is essential for propulsion during walking, running, and jumping, making it a common site of overuse injury.
Plantar fascia
This thick band of connective tissue runs along the bottom of the foot, supporting the arch and absorbing shock, and is the structure most often implicated in plantar fasciitis.
Subtalar joint
Located just below the ankle joint, this joint allows the foot to tilt side to side, which is important for adapting to uneven ground and is involved in the mechanism of most ankle sprains.
Planes & range
Ankle plantarflexion, pointing the toes downward, represents the joint's largest single motion, complemented by roughly 15–20° of dorsiflexion and additional inversion and eversion at the subtalar joint below.
This combination of a stable but mobile joint, supporting ligaments, and load-absorbing soft tissue explains why the ankle and foot are prone to both sudden ligament injuries and gradual overuse conditions depending on the type of stress applied.
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