NBATA > Education & Research > Glossary of Terms

Ankle & Foot

Achilles Tendon.

The thick tendon at the distal portion of the calf that connects the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle to the heel.

Anterior Talofibular Ligament.

A ligament of the ankle that connects the fibula (lateral ankle bone) to the talus. This ligament is often subject to sprain.

Anterior Tibiofibular Ligament.

Restrains inversion of calcaneous.

Calcaneofibular Ligament.

The ligament that connects the fibula to the calcaneous.

Calcaneous.

The heel bone.

Deltoid Ligament.

Ligament that connects the tibia to bones of the medial aspect of the foot. It is primarily responsible for stability of the ankle on the medial side and is sprained less frequently than other ankle ligaments.

Hammer Toe.

Condition when the first digit of a toe is at a different angle than the remaining digits of the same toe. Common among basketball players as a result of improper shoe length.

Lateral Malleolus.

A protuberance on the outside of the ankle.

Medial Malleolus.

A protuberance on the inside of the ankle.

Metatarsals.

Five long bones of the foot, running from the ankle to the toes.

Morton’s Toe.

Condition in which the second toe is longer than the first toe. This can cause mechanical imbalances, which produce pain within weight-bearing bones.

Peroneal Muscles.

Group of muscles in the lateral lower leg that is responsible for everting the ankle. Tendons of these three muscles are also vital to the stability of the ankle and foot.

Phalanges.

The group of bones at the distal end of the foot; the toes.

Plantar Fascia.

The tight band of connective tissue in the arch of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis.

Inflammation of the plantar fascia; associated with overuse or acute foot injuries.

Soft Corn.

A corn (softened by moisture) that is found beneath the upper surface of the toe.

Stress X-Ray.

A continual X-ray taken when a portion of the body is stressed in order to determine joint stability.

Tarsals.

Group of seven bones of the foot, consisting of the calcaneous, navicular, talus, cuboid and the three cuneiform bones.

Fast Facts

NBATA records indicate that the most common injury suffered by NBA players is a sprained ankle.
Most ankle sprains occur when one player steps on another player’s foot.
More than 90 percent of all ankle sprains involve the lateral aspect of the ankle.
Three ankle sprains are sustained for every 10 regular season games played in the NBA.
NBATA records indicate that players older than 30 are seven times more likely to tear the achilles tendon than those younger than 30.