MUSCLES OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE THE ACTIONS:
EVERTERS: peroneus longus & brevis, ligaments
PLANTER FLEXORS: gastrocnemius, soleus
DORSI FLEXORS: tibialis anterior
COMMENTS: Common ankle injuries involve talo-fibular and calcaneo- fibular ligament strain and Achilles' tendonitis.

Two basic types of muscle dysfunction are muscle imbalance and positional dysfunction.

INJURY: The ankle joint can respond in two ways to a strain. The ankle ligaments could be stretched, causing the ankle to be unstable and to feel looser than the healthy side. The main muscles of stabilization of the ankle joint are the peroneus brevis, peroneus longus, and the deep ankle flexors such as the tibialis posterior. Trigger points in the muscles will also make the muscles weak and unable to support the joint. The other response is a build up of scar tissue that causes limited range of motion in the ankle. Other injuries include sprains usually to the anterior talofibular ligament especially in an inversion stress. Flat foot (pes planus) is often a result of weak plantar muscles also weakness in the anterior and posterior tibialis caused by static stress (standing on the feet all day)

Soft tissue injuries to the calf (gastrocnemius) are the most common ranging from cramp to complete muscle tear.

IMBALANCE: Usually results in over pronation of the foot. Muscle imbalance describes a condition in which certain muscles tend to be weak, and inhibited and others tend to be short and tight, and easily facilitated. Muscle imbalances alter movement patterns and therefore add a continuing stress to the joint system. For example the; gastrocnemius soleus and tibialis posterior tend to be easily facilitated, tight and short. While the tibial anterior and the peroneals tend to be inhibited and weak/loose.

ASSESSMENT: Inversion Test can tell if the ligaments on the outside have been torn or stretched. Test for flat feet, fallen arch, Achilles tendonitis, and shin splints. Biofeedback can be used to test for muscle strength balance between opposing muscles or between each side of the body.

MASSAGE: Ankles that have a restricted range of motion should be loosened by massage, cross-fibre frictioning and stretching. Soft tissue release on the peroneus muscles and Muscle Energy Techniques used on the calf and soleus can be very effective. Muscle cramps can be treated using a range of passive stretching exercises.

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE/STRETCHING: To increase the strength of the muscles responsible for the stability of the joint. Stability work on wobble boards correct walking running technique. Picking up objects with the toes helps strengthen toe flexor muscles.