Get back on your feet—literally. Our expert ankle surgeons specialize in advanced procedures designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to the life you love.
Understanding the Ankle—and Why It Matters
Before we discuss how injuries happen and how expert treatment can help, it’s essential to understand the ankle’s anatomy. This vital joint connects the leg and foot, enabling smooth, controlled motion, particularly in the up-and-down (sagittal) plane. Strong collagen bands called ligaments maintain stability by holding the bones together and bearing constant mechanical stress.
Because of their crucial role, these ligaments are also the most common site of ankle injury. Over time, or through sudden trauma, the balance of this finely tuned system—composed of bones, ligaments, and muscles—can be disrupted, leading to pain, instability, and restricted mobility.
Athletes are especially vulnerable, as repeated stress on the ankle joint increases the risk of damage. Two ligament groups are particularly prone to injury:
- Lateral ligaments, found along the front, side, and back of the ankle
- Tibiofibular ligaments, which connect the leg bones just above the joint
When these ligaments become overstretched or torn, symptoms like swelling, pain, and joint instability often follow, requiring professional diagnosis and care.
