The lower leg lies between the knee and ankle and works with the upper leg and foot to help perform key functions. In the leg are a number of bones, muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels.

These are mainly for fine motor control, such as toe movements. The 10 extrinsic muscles of the foot cross the ankle joint to connect with the leg. Ligaments attach bones to other bones at joints ...

These bones are held together at the ankle joint by ligaments, which are strong elastic bands of connective tissue that keep the bones in place while allowing normal ankle motion. Tendons attach ...

But if the ankle joint’s range of motion is limited or the surrounding muscles aren’t strong enough to withstand the impact, they can’t do their job properly. “A lot of runners wait too ...

The knee joins the upper leg and the lower leg. It’s also the largest joint in the body. In addition to bearing the weight of the upper body, the knee allows for walking, running, and jumping.

Correspondence to Dr Janice Kaye Loudon, Department of Physical Therapy Education, Rockhurst University, 10121 Delmar, Overland Park, KS 66207, USA; janice.loudon{at}Rockhurst.edu Background Lateral ...