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From walking to jumping: How the ankle joint plays a vital role in every step?
The ankle joint, or ankle area, is where the foot meets the leg. The ankle joint undoubtedly plays a key role in movements such as walking, running and even jumping. This area consists of three major joints: the ankle joint (i.e., condyle joint), the lower ankle joint, and the distal tibiofibular joint. The major bone structures include the tibia, fibula, and talus. The movements of these bones and joints, particularly dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, allow us to move in a flexible manner.
Ankle movement not only enables us to walk, but is also the basis for jumping and turning.
Structure of the ankle joint
The ankle joint is mainly composed of the ankle joint itself, the lower ankle joint and the distal tibiofibular joint. The ankle joint is the only laryngeal joint in humans, and is connected to the tibia and fibula through veins, and further connected to the talus. The talus carries the weight of the tibia from above, while the fibula stabilizes the force applied.
Importance of ligamentsThe ankle joint's animated structure acts as a point of support, striking a balance between mobility and stability.
There are several ligaments around the ankle that provide support, which are mainly divided into medial and lateral ligaments. The medial ligament, the deltoid ligament, provides support to the medial side, while the lateral ligaments, including the anterior tibiofibular ligament, the posterior tibiofibular ligament, and the calcaneofibular ligament, provide stability to the lateral side. These ligaments work together to maintain joint stability during walking, running, and various daily activities.
Function of the ankle joint
The movement of the ankle joint includes not only dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, but also some left and right sliding, rotation, and abduction and extension movements. The proper timing of these movements during gait is essential for balance and stability. The ankle joint is responsible for moving our center of mass forward during propulsion and during suspension, which allows us to step and change direction smoothly.
The flexibility of the ankle joint allows us to quickly adjust the position of our foot while walking and jumping.
The role of mechanoreceptors
Mechanoreceptors within the ankle joint are responsible for collecting sensory information from the joint and transmitting it to the central nervous system, which helps us maintain balance and coordination. The activity of these receptors is closely related to the posture and movement of the foot, allowing the ankle joint to respond quickly whether standing still or in motion.
Clinical significanceThe feedback mechanism of mechanoreceptors can adjust the body's movements in time to improve stability.
The ankle is the most vulnerable of all the major joints. Common injuries include sprains, especially when the foot is turned outward or there is a fall at home, which is more likely to cause ligament strain or tear. The chance of this injury increases with the intensity of exercise, so prevention activities become extremely important.
Closing Thoughts
The ankle joint occupies such an important position in our lives. Without its support, how difficult would our activities become?
