The malleolus is the protuberance of bone on either side of the ankle.
Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
The malleoli are part of the tibia and fibula
The malleolus on the inner side is the medial malleolus (and is part of the tibia bone) and the one on the outer side is the lateral malleolus (and is part of the fibula bone).
Can ankle problems cause knee pain?
Because the ankle bones are part of the tibia and fibula, any deformity or stress in the ankle can directly influence the knee.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"....Foot and ankle characteristics are associated with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and may also relate to patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA)...."
Citation: Tan JM, Crossley KM, Munteanu SE, Collins NJ, Hart HF, Donnar JW, Cleary G, O'Sullivan IC, Maclachlan LR, Derham CL, Menz HB. Associations of foot and ankle characteristics with knee symptoms and function in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. J Foot Ankle Res. 2020 Sep 23;13(1):57. doi: 10.1186/s13047-020-00426-8. PMID: 32967701; PMCID: PMC7509922.
Forum discussions
- Diagnosis and pain relief
Patients discuss ankle problems related to knee issues.
Synonyms:
ankle bone
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