The malleoli are two small bony protrusions located on the lower part of the leg just above the ankle joint. They serve as the point of attachment for various ligaments and muscles that help to provide stability to the ankle joint and enable the up-and-down movement of the leg. Situated on the inside and outside part of the lower leg just above the ankle, the malleoli, also known as the medial and lateral malleoli, form the medial and lateral sides of the ankle. The malleoli are made up partly of strong connective tissues that provide essential stability to the ankle joint. This connective tissue is known as the syndesmosis, a band of fibers that are strong enough to withstand a great amount of tension. The syndesmosis connects the two malleoli, reinforcing and holding the ankle joint together. Without the malleoli and the syndesmosis to provide anchorage, the ankle joint would be very unstable and vulnerable to injury. Unfortunately, because of the amount of pressure that the malleoli and the syndesmosis are put under when the ankle is subjected to sudden twists and rotations, the malleoli are often the first component of the ankle to incur damage in an ankle sprain. This is why it is important for people to practice proper stretching and strengthening techniques for the ankles to reduce their risk of suffering an ankle-related injury. By making sure the ankle is strong and stable, the malleoli can do their job more effectively and prevent these types of injuries from occurring.