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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/ankleinjuriesanddisorders.html

Ankle Injuries and Disorders

Summary

Your ankle bone and the ends of your two lower leg bones make up the ankle joint. Your ligaments, which connect bones to one another, stabilize and support it. Your muscles and tendons move it.

The most common ankle problems are sprains and fractures (broken bones). A sprain is an injury to the ligaments. It may take a few weeks to many months to heal completely. A fracture is a break in a bone. You can also injure other parts of the ankle such as tendons, which join muscles to bone, and cartilage, which cushions your joints. Ankle sprains and fractures are common sports injuries.

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.