The ankle joint, or tibio-fibular talar joint, is a hinge joint permitting flexion and extension. Flexion and extension at the ankle take on special names due to the arrangement of the foot with the sole facing down.

Dorsiflexion is the dorsum of the foot moving dorsally towards the tibia. Plantar flexion is the foot moving in a plantar direction towards the sole of the foot, as in standing on your tip toes. In addition to dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, the sole of the foot can be tipped inward or outward. These movements are called inversion and eversion respectively. Supination (inversion) and pronation (eversion) are also used.

Inversion and eversion occur between the talus and calcaneus (subtalar joint) and between the talus, calcaneus, cuboid and navicular bones (transverse tarsal joint). Inversion and eversion act in maintaining balance on uneven ground.