Ligaments in the Heel

According to North Coast Foot Care, ligaments are bundles of collagen fibers that connect bone to bone and allow skeletal movement and structure. Ligaments differ from tendons in that tendons connect bone to muscle. The human foot and ankle have a series of seven main ligaments, four of which deal with the heel specifically. These are deltoid ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament and anterior talofibular ligament.

Deltoid ligament

• The deltoid connects the bones in the heel to those in the ankle, stabilizing the medial side of the ankle joint, according to Wheeless Online. This ligament, along with the corresponding tendons, is crucial in allowing the ankle to flex forward and backward, pivoting above the heel. Those checking for damage to this ligament can perform a pain-aversion test, or test the ankle for rotation ability.

Calcaneofibular ligament

• The calcaneofibular ligament is covered by the tendons peronaei longus and brevis, connecting the heel bone to the fibia. This ligament binds the ankle, heel, and foot together and works with the tendons to allow people to stand. Damage to the calcaneofibular ligament is usually obvious and results in inability to put weight on the affected foot.

Posterior talofibular ligament

• Sports injuries to the posterior talofibular ligament are especially common when the ligament is inverted, according to Emedicine. This ligament is especially susceptible to injury when the foot is flexed forward. It starts at the back of the fibula, wrapping around the heel, and connecting to the bottom of the foot.

Anterior talofibular ligament

• Like injury to the posterior talofibular ligament, the anterior version is a common sports injury when the foot flexes forward. This ligament is on the other side of the foot, connecting the tibia to the heel and lower part of the foot structure. If either the anterior or posterior talofibular ligament is damaged, it usually brings tenderness, pain and inability to bear weight.