What is ankle plantar flexion?

What is ankle plantar flexion?

Plantar flexion is the movement that allows you to press the gas pedal of your car. It also allows ballet dancers to stand on their toes. The ankle joint, which is actually two joints, makes plantar flexion possible. It also enables the opposite movement, dorsiflexion, which is the movement of the foot toward the leg.

What ankle joint does plantar flexion?

The talus articulates inferiorly with the calcaneus and anteriorly with the navicular. The upper surface, called the trochlear surface, is somewhat cylindrical and allows for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle.

What movement is flexion of the ankle?

Flexion and extension at the ankle are referred to as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, respectively (Figure 2). “Dorsi” refers to the top of the foot, while “plantar” refers to the bottom of the foot. The term “flexion” is incorporated to indicate movement upwards (dorsiflex) or downwards (plantarflex).

What does plantar flexion look like?

Standing on tiptoes is an example of plantar flexion. Many daily activities involve plantar flexion. One typical example is pressing the foot down on the gas pedal in a car. Standing on the tips of the toes to reach a high shelf is also plantar flexion.

What is an example of plantar flexion?

Share on Pinterest Plantar flexion is a term that describes positioning the foot with the toes furthest down. Standing on tiptoes is an example of plantar flexion. One typical example is pressing the foot down on the gas pedal in a car. Standing on the tips of the toes to reach a high shelf is also plantar flexion.

What causes poor plantar flexion?

Ankle injuries, including sprains and fractures, are one of the most common causes of plantar flexion problems. These can happen in sports where you have to change direction very quickly — such as basketball — or in activities that involve jumping.

How can you tell the difference between flexion and extension?

The main difference between flexion and extension is that flexion is the action that brings the two bones together, decreasing the angle between the bones whereas extension is the action that increases the angle between the two bones.

What’s the difference between flexion and extension?

In the limbs, flexion decreases the angle between the bones (bending of the joint), while extension increases the angle and straightens the joint. Knee flexion is the bending of the knee to bring the foot toward the posterior thigh, and extension is the straightening of the knee.

How does plantar flexion occur?

The plantaris tendon runs below both the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles to connect directly with the heel bone. This muscle works with the Achilles tendon to flex both the ankle and knee joints, allowing a person to stand on their toes or point their foot in plantar flexion.

How do you perform plantar flexion?

Plantar flexion is a movement in which the top of your foot points away from your leg. You use plantar flexion whenever you stand on the tip of your toes or point your toes. Every person’s natural range of movement in this position is different.

What is the normal range for plantar flexion?

For plantar flexion, the typical range of motion is between 20 and 50 degrees. These ranges vary according to age, gender and type of injury.

What is difference between plantar flexion and dorsal flexion?

They are opposites. Plantar flexion is when you bend your foot downwards, when you point your toe. Dorsal flexion is when you bend your foot upwards, towards the shin. Plantar means ‘the sole of the foot’. Dorsal means ‘the top of the foot’.

What are the causes of plantar flexion weakness?

If you have plantar flexion weakness, these and other normal activities can become difficult. Causes include muscle weakness, an Achilles tendon injury, nerve damage and sciatica.Achilles Tendon Injuries Achilles tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon), sprains or tears can all cause plantar flexion weakness.

Does soleus act in plantar flexion?

The soleus is very active as an ankle plantar flexor when your knee is bent. Your soleus muscle gets stretched a bit as you are walking and ascending and descending stairs. It also is placed on stretch during running and activities that require jumping and hopping.