Bones in the Ankle

By Bridget Bigale, PTA

What are the 7 Bones in the Ankle Called?

The 7 bones in the ankle are: Talus, Calcaneus, Navicular, Cuboid, Cuneiform. The ankle also includes the lower portion of your two leg bones the Tibia and Fibula.

Anatomy of the Human Ankle

The ankle joint is located above the foot, where the lower leg and the top of the foot come together. Involving about 7 major bones, the bones in the ankle are the bottom portions of the 2 lower leg bones; the Tibia and Fibula.

These two bottom portions of the lower leg bones sit on top of the Talus, which form the tibiotalar joint. Along the bottom aspect of the Talus, this bone sits on the top of the Calcaneus or heel of the foot. This region where the Talus and the Calcaneus come together creates the Subtalar joint.

Moving forward, towards the top and inside regions of the foot, the Talus joins together to form the Talonavicular joint at the Navicular bone. Similarly, the calcaneus joins the outer region of the foot at the Cuboid bone to form the Calcaneocuboid joint. The two bones, the Cuboid, and Navicular bones, then join 3 smaller bones of the Cuneiform (lateral, middle, and medial). The 2 cuneiform bones (lateral and middle) join the calcaneus to form the Calcaneocuboid joint.

Many bones come together to form the various joints of the ankle/foot complex. These work together to allow for movement of the ankle and ankle. They contribute to your ability to walk, push off, and/or pivot to change directions.

What Bones make up the Ankle?

• Tibia.
• Fibula.
• Talus.
• Calcaneus.
• Navicular.
• Cuboid.
• Cuneiform (lateral, middle, medial).

What is the Bone that sticks out on the side of your Ankle?

The bone that sticks out along the outside of the ankle is the lateral malleolus. This bone is specifically the bottom, outside portion of the Fibula. The inside region of the ankle is the medial malleolus.

Bones in the Ankle Injuries

Injuries to the ankle joint is one of the most common in the body. Along the outside regions of the ankle, the supporting ligaments can become stretched or torn (partially or completely). Consequently, this causes instability of the ankle joint.

Ankle Sprain

A typical ankle sprain occurs when a patient steps onto an uneven surface and falls, causing injury to the supportive ligaments of the ankle. Additionally, this fall stretches some of the ligaments located along the outside region of the ankle, which usually results in increased pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Ankle Fracture

Another injury that can occur to the ankle is called a fracture. A fracture usually occurs in severe circumstances where the bottom of the Fibula (outside region of the ankle) is separated or broken. This injury typically occurs when the foot is fixed against an object and is thrown into the inverted position. This causes the ligaments of the outside regions of the ankle to be stressed or torn again, resulting in increased pain, swelling, and/or tenderness.

If you have an injury that limits your ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time, give us a call.  We can help if you are experiencing pain, tenderness, or swelling of the ankle.

By: Bridget Bigale, PTA

Related Articles:

• Foot Pain in Athletes
• Choosing the Correct Running Shoes
• 5 Foot and Ankle Symptoms you Should Not Ignore

Related Video: Basic Ankle Ankle Exercises Video 

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