NB When the word щиколотка functions as a subject and does not have a descriptive modifier, the construction щиколотка у + Genitive is often preferred to (a) and (b), above:

NB Note that (a) is more common than (b) or (c).

NB The words щиколотка "ankle" and лодыжка "ankle" are not interchangeable. The word щиколотка is often used in expressions which indicate length: юбка по щиколотку "a skirt down to one's ankles," выше щиколотки "above the ankle," ниже щиколотки "below the ankle." The word лодыжка is not used in these expressions. With words denoting positive attributes such as изящная, точёная, сухая, the word лодыжка is more likely to be used.

NB Note that the word щиколотка is not used to refer to twisting or spraining an ankle. The word нога is used instead:

NB Most speakers use the expressions shown below only with the singular form of the word щиколотка.