Ligaments on both sides of
the ankle joint help hold the bones together. Three ligaments
make up the lateral ligament complex on the side of the
ankle farthest from the other ankle. (Lateral means further
away from the center of the body.) These include the anterior
talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament(CFL),
and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). A thick
ligament, called the deltoid ligament, supports the medial
ankle (the side closest to your other ankle).
The Achillies Tendon
The ankle joint is also supported by nearby tendons. The
large Achilles tendon is the most important tendon for
walking, running, and jumping. It attaches the calf muscles
to the calcaneus (heelbone) and allows us to raise up
on our toes. The posterior tibial tendon attaches one
of the smaller muscles of the calf to the underside of
the foot. This tendon helps support the arch and allows
us to turn the foot inward. The anterior tibial tendon
allows us to raise the foot. Two tendons run behind the
outer bump of the ankle (the lateral malleolus). These
two tendons, called the peroneals, help turn the foot
down and out.
