Posterior region of ankle

The posterior region of ankle is located behind the ankle joint. It is characterized by the prominent presence of the common calcaneal or Achilles tendon, which inserts into the heel bone or calcaneum. This tendon represents the shared tendon of the superficial muscles in the posterior leg, namely the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles. Among these muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus are the largest calf muscles responsible for plantar flexion at the ankle joint. While the soleus provides greater strength and serves as the main stabilizer, the gastrocnemius acts faster and generates propulsive force during walking and running.

Deep to the Achilles tendon, the tendons of the deep muscles in the posterior leg can be found in the posterior ankle region. These tendons pass beneath the flexor retinaculum, traversing the tarsal tunnel within the medial retromalleolar space to enter the sole of the foot. The medial retromalleolar space is situated in the posteromedial part of the posterior region of ankle. The long tendons of the deep flexor muscles facilitate plantar flexion at the ankle joint. In contrast, the lateral retromalleolar space is positioned behind the lateral malleolus of the fibula, in the posterolateral part of the posterior ankle region. The tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles from the lateral leg compartment pass through the lateral retromalleolar space to enter the sole.