The major tendons around the ankle joint facilitate movement and stability and include the Achilles tendon, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, tibialis posterior, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis tendons.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Achilles Tendon: This is the largest tendon in the body. It attaches the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the calcaneus (heel bone). Its primary function is plantarflexion (pointing the toes down).
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Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL): This tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and attaches to the big toe. It's responsible for flexing the big toe (bending it downwards) and assists in plantarflexion.
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Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL): Located on the inside of the ankle, this tendon attaches to the other four toes. It flexes these toes and also contributes to plantarflexion of the ankle.
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Tibialis Posterior: This tendon is crucial for supporting the arch of the foot and inverting the foot (turning the sole inward). It runs along the inside of the ankle.
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Tibialis Anterior: Located on the front of the ankle, the tibialis anterior tendon is responsible for dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upwards) and inverting the foot.
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Peroneus Longus: This tendon runs along the outside of the ankle, passing behind the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone). It plantarflexes and everts the foot (turns the sole outward), and helps support the arch of the foot.
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Peroneus Brevis: Also located on the outside of the ankle, the peroneus brevis tendon sits just in front of the peroneus longus. It primarily everts the foot and assists in plantarflexion.
These tendons work together to provide a wide range of motion and stability to the ankle and foot, enabling activities like walking, running, and jumping. Injuries to any of these tendons can significantly impact mobility.
