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Did you know? 5 Facts About Your Ankle
Foot CareGeneral Podiatry

Did you know? 5 Facts About Your Ankle

By February 1, 2023No Comments

Our ankles and feet are intricate components of the skeletal system. Oftentimes bony, sometimes damaged, strained or swollen – we often overlook our ankle yet it is essential for a lot of mobility that we possess. We don’t usually give them extra thought unless they cause us pain or injury.

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But did you know there are some facts about your ankles that might surprise you?

1

Each ankle is made up of three bones

the talus, a triangular-shaped bone beneath the tibia and fibula; the calcaneus, or heel bone; and the navicular bone on top of the talus. All three bones are connected to the fibula and tibia bones of the lower leg.
2

Your ankle is a hinge joint

meaning it moves in one direction—up and down rather than side to side. This allows you to propel yourself forward when walking or running.
3

Your ankle is strong!

On average, the human ankle can support up to five times your body weight, allowing it to absorb and disperse the shock of your movements.
4

The Achilles tendon is a large band of tissue

that connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel bone and helps in movements like running, walking or jumping. It's named after the Greek hero Achilles from Homer’s Iliad due to its strength and power.
5

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries

Ankle sprains can occur when ligaments around the ankle joint stretch too far or tear. These sprains can happen due to a sudden twist, force, or misstep. To help reduce the risk of an ankle sprain you should wear supportive shoes and stretch your feet and ankles regularly.

Whether you’ve experienced an ankle injury or not, it’s important to learn a bit more about this complex part of the body. With some knowledge and proper care, you can help keep your ankles healthy and flexible for years to come!

 

Premier Foot and Ankle Centers offers excellent care and treatment for conditions of the foot and ankle. If you’re experiencing any pain, swelling or discomfort in your ankles or feet, contact us today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to helping keep your feet healthy and happy.