What does plantar flexion mean

Damage to this nerve can stop a person from being able to raise their foot. Plantar flexion is the opposite of dorsiflexion and involves moving the foot in a downward direction, toward the ground. The muscles whose tendons cause plantar flexion are located on the back posterior and inside of the leg, and pass into the back of the foot via the ankle joint.

These include:. Whenever a person is standing upright, their foot is the only part of their body in contact with the ground. This means that any interaction between the foot and the ground goes through the ankle and then the rest of the body in a kinetic chain. As a result, problems in the foot and ankle can affect every other part of the body.

Often, it is the knees that are affected first, then the hips and back, and eventually the shoulders and neck. If someone cannot raise their foot upward or the movement is limited, then they may have poor dorsiflexion. Any dorsiflexion problems that occur can carry on up the body and cause injuries from the knee all the way to the shoulder.

This domino effect can work in both directions. If someone is worried about their ankle dorsiflexion, there is a simple technique to determine if they have normal movement.

It is capable of a wide range of movement to stabilize the body in the most difficult situations, such as hiking or jumping on uneven surfaces.

It does this while also protecting key ligaments, arteries, and nerves. When the ankle is injured, inflammation helps prevent additional injury by reducing the range of motion of the foot. This can drastically reduce plantar flexion, sometimes to the degree where a person cannot move their foot.

Ankle injuries can range in severity from mild sprains to severe fractures. The severity of the injury will determine the treatment. Treating injuries depends on the type of injury that the person has sustained. Mild ankle sprains do not require casts or splints. Instead, they can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, known as the RICE method. More severe sprains, tendon injuries, and some fractures will require a splint or cast to hold the ankle in its proper position.

During this time, an individual will not be able to put weight on their foot or ankle. If the ankle is not stable where the fracture has occurred, surgery is usually required. This may mean putting a plate or screws into the bones of the ankle to keep it in position while it heals. It usually takes a minimum of 6 weeks for a fracture to heal. All forms of ankle, leg, or foot injury that affect plantar flexion will involve physical therapy and exercise to strengthen the muscles and tendons and protect them from future injury.

Failing to do these exercises puts people at risk of further injuries in the future. Preventing injuries in the muscles and joints that control plantar flexion starts with doing regular mobility and strength work. There are many exercises that can be done to strengthen the muscles and tendons that are used in plantar flexion and help protect the ankle. Simple exercises such as toe raises can build strength.

Low impact exercise such as swimming and biking can also promote flexibility and strength in the legs, feet, and ankles. Stepping correctly can also help prevent injuries. Incorrect walking patterns may contribute to injuries over time.

This can include walking in high heels or poorly fitted shoes. Taking conscious steps can help if a person has a tendency to over correct or step incorrectly. It can also help to walk barefoot for at least 30 minutes each day, to allow the feet to walk in their natural position.

An appointment with a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon may help anyone with regular injuries or limited plantar flexion to find a solution.

Having a good range of motion in dorsiflexion flex and plantar flexion pointe is key to keeping your feet and ankles healthy, and tight calves can restrict movement in your ankle joint.

Candice Thompson, Dance Magazine , August, When the wearer needs to take a step forward, the rear cable contracts to ensure that their foot pushes off the ground, a movement called plantar flexion. Popular now. Who uses plantar flexion? Note This is not meant to be a formal definition of plantar flexion like most terms we define on Dictionary.

Flexor digitorum longus: This is another one of the deep muscles in the lower leg. It starts out thin, but gradually widens as it moves down the leg. It helps to flex all the toes except for the big toe.

Tibialis posterior: The tibialis posterior is a smaller muscle that lies deep in the lower leg. Peroneus longus: Also called fibularis longus, this muscle runs along the side of the lower leg to the big toe. It works with the tibialis posterior muscle to keep your ankle stable while you stand on tiptoe. Peroneus brevis: The peroneus brevis, also called the fibularis brevis muscle, is underneath the peroneus longus. The peroneus brevis is shorter than the peroneus longus.

It helps keep your foot stable while in plantar flexion. An injury to any of the muscles that support plantar flexion can limit your ability to flex your foot or stand on tiptoe. 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. When you injure the muscles or bones of your ankles, the area swells up and becomes inflamed.

The swelling limits movement. Depending on how severe the injury is, you might not be able to point your toe or stand on your tiptoes until it heals. Mild ankle sprains are usually treated with the RICE method :. Sprains usually heal within a few days or weeks. If the ankle is fractured, you may need to wear a cast.