Ankle Joint
Learning Objectives
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Identify the major ankle joint anatomy
Identify ligaments of the ankle joint
Recognize ankle pathology
Recognize ankle joint fractures
Evaluate ankle joint abnormalities using specific tests
Practice PT treatment to the ankle post fractures
Explain verbally to the patient ankle treatment plan and home
exercise
• The foot and ankle is a complex structural
unit and can be considered a closed kinematic
chain when in contact with the ground.
Although there are thirty (30) synovial joints
within the foot and ankle, (3) of themplay a
major biomechanical role in function,
• most of the compensations for abnormal
mechanics in the foot and ankle occur at just
one of these three joints, the subtalar joint
ANATOMY
Joints
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Talocrual
Subtalar
Midtarsal - Transverse Tarsal
Intertarsals
Tarsal-Metatarsals
Metatarsal-Phalangeal
Ligaments
• 1. Medial Deltoid
• 2. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) composed
ligaments
Muscles and its tendons
1. Anterior
• Tibialis anterior
• Extensor halluecis longus
• Extensor digitorum longus
2. Posterior
• Peroneal muscle
• Soleus muscle
• Gastrocnemius
• Flexor halluecis longus
• Tibialis posterior
Special Test
• 1. Talar T
• 2. Homans Sign (Assessment for
thrombophlebitis)
• 3. Keen’s sign (distal fibular fracture)
Increased diameter around the malleoli area
Ankle and foot pathology
• Trauma, fractures, and sprains (Ankle sprain, Fractures of fifth
metatarsal)
• Arthritis (OA &RA)
• Flat foot
• Metatarsalgia
• Congenital disorder (clubfoot)
• Planter fascitis
• Spurs
• Bursitis
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Ischemic foot pain
• Hallux valgus
Treatment Plan
This is general treatment plan, you need to adapt it to
your patient case
• ROM and stretching of Achilles tendon after healing of
tendons trauma
• Be careful of Weight Baring status (NWB, PWB, FWB)
• Ice massage and Contrast bath for edema and paraffin
wax
• Mobilization post casting and fracture healing
• Orthotics for stability after ligament sprains
• Gait training with assistive device (Crutches, Canadian
Cane, Walker)