The bony knob on the inside of your ankle is called the medial malleolus.
Understanding the Medial Malleolus
The medial malleolus is a prominent bony bump located on the inner side of your ankle. It is actually the lower, innermost part of the tibia (shin bone), one of the two main bones in your lower leg. This important anatomical landmark plays a crucial role in the stability and function of the ankle joint.
- Location: It forms the inner border of the ankle joint, easily felt on the inside of your lower leg, just above the foot.
- Structure: It's a robust projection of the tibia that extends downwards, forming the inner wall of the ankle mortise (the socket where the ankle bone, or talus, fits).
- Function:
- Ankle Stability: The medial malleolus significantly contributes to the stability of the ankle joint, helping to prevent excessive outward rolling of the foot (eversion).
- Ligament Attachment: It serves as a vital attachment point for strong ligaments, particularly the deltoid ligament, which reinforces the inner aspect of the ankle.
- Joint Formation: It articulates with the talus bone, forming the medial part of the weight-bearing ankle joint.
Common Conditions Affecting the Medial Malleolus
Like any bone, the medial malleolus can be susceptible to various injuries, especially due to its prominent position and role in weight-bearing and movement.
- Stress Fracture of the Medial Malleolus:
- This is an incomplete fracture or crack within this bony bump.
- It typically results from repetitive stress or overuse, commonly seen in athletes involved in activities like running, jumping, or sports requiring quick changes in direction.
- Symptoms often include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness over the inside of the ankle, which may worsen with physical activity and improve with rest.
Treatment and Recovery
If a stress fracture of the medial malleolus is suspected, seeking professional medical advice is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Physiotherapy: This is a successful treatment approach for a stress fracture of the medial malleolus. A comprehensive physiotherapy program typically involves:
- Activity Modification: Temporarily reducing or stopping activities that aggravate the fracture to allow for healing.
- Pain and Swelling Management: Techniques such as ice, compression, and elevation, along with other modalities, to alleviate discomfort.
- Gradual Strengthening: Implementing targeted exercises to restore the strength of muscles surrounding the ankle and lower leg.
- Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises designed to improve stability, coordination, and the body's awareness of its position in space, helping to prevent re-injury.
- Biomechanical Analysis: Assessing gait, footwear, and movement patterns to identify and correct any underlying factors that might contribute to the stress fracture.
Understanding the medial malleolus helps in appreciating its importance in ankle function and the significance of proper care when injuries occur.
