Ankle Joint Anatomy: Talocrural, Subtalar and Tibiofibular Joints

This course describes ankle/foot joint anatomy, which includes the talocrural, subtalar, and tibiofibular joints. This includes descriptions of the bones, synovial joints, joint actions, ligaments, bursae, relative location, the relationship between the bones of the foot and ankle, and the muscles that cross them. Further, this course discusses palpation and introduces ankle/foot joint specific exercises, manual techniques, and interventions for dysfunction, pain, posture, and movement impairment. The ankle joint is included in the common compensation patterns known as functional pes planus (flat feet), pronation distortion syndrome, functional valgus (knee bow in), asymmetrical weight shift (AWS), and lower extremity dysfunction (LLD) . Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) with advanced knowledge of the ankle joint will improve their ability to analyze human movement and develop sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation/physical therapy (e.g. ankle pain, ankle arthritis, medial malleolus pain, ankle instability, chronic ankle sprain, ankle replacement surgery), the effect the ankle joint has on lower extremity alignment (e.g. the relationship between subtalar inversion and hip internal rotation), and ankle specific techniques for enhancing sports performance (e.g. lower body (leg) stability, strength, hypertrophy, agility, and power).

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Ankle Joint (see videos below):

• Assess:
  • Overhead Squat Assessment: Feet Flatten
• Self-administered Techniques:
  • Release: Gastrocnemius and Soleus Dynamic Release
  • Stretch: Slant Board Calf Stretch
  • Activation: Tibialis Anterior Isolated Activation (No Equipment)
• Manual Techniques:
  • Release: Fibularis Muscles Static Manual Release
  • Mobilization: Ankle (Talus) Manual Joint Mobilization – Anterior to Posterior
  • Manipulation: Talocalcaneal Manipulation

Caption: The anatomy of the ankle joint showing the bones and boney landmarks