Plantar flexion is a movement in which the foot is directed down toward the ground or away from the body. In contrast, dorsiflexion describes the movement toward the upper side or back. The plantar surface is the anatomical name given to the sole of the foot. It is the term used when you extend your foot.
Plantar flexion is used in many of our daily actions, including:
Our range of motion and strength has a role in how efficiently and effectively we perform these actions. As a result, it's critical to keep the plantarflexion muscles strong and healthy because they're involved in so many of our daily activities.
What happens if there are limitations in plantar flexion?
Plantar flexion limitations result in a reduced ability to generate force when running and walking.
- For athletes and active people, this means slower propulsion and decreased agility.
- In everyday life, this may manifest as a shorter stride or shuffle step and can cause problems further up the kinetic chain, such as knee hip pain or low back pain, due to decreased ankle mobility.
Causes
- Accidents or trauma to the ankle joint, such as strains, sprains, or even bone fractures, are common causes of limitation.
- Plantar flexion contracture is another possibility. The foot cannot point downward or plantarflex at all in this condition. Fortunately, this condition is treatable with stretches and various exercises. It can occur in people who have been in a cast for a long time and those who have muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.
- Because so many muscles are involved in plantar flexion, pain during plantar flexing could indicate numerous things. Inability to plantarflex, for example, could indicate that you have torn the gastrocnemius or soleus. Plantar flexion pain could indicate impinged ankle injuries.
Treatment
- The initial protocol includes rest, ice (or contrast heat/cold therapy), compression, and elevation, which may protect the ankle while the tissues are mending and help control inflammation.
- Stretching and strengthening can help keep the ankle mobile and prevent reinjury in the future. Resisted plantar flexion and toe raises are two excellent plantar flexion exercises. Your physiotherapist is the best person to guide you regarding the exercises most suited to your condition.
Because of the various causes involved in plantar flexion injury, it is best to consult your doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide you with an appropriate treatment plan. In more severe cases, surgery may be required.
What muscles are involved in plantar flexion?
Plantar flexion appears to be a simple movement, but it necessitates the use of numerous muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the leg and foot. The majority of the muscles are centered on the tibia (shin bone) and fibula (a thinner bone that supports the tibia). The tibial nerve is the main nerve that innervates the muscles involved in plantar flexion.
The anatomy of plantarflexion muscles are as follows:
| Muscle | Description | Examples of uses | Best stretches and exercises |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastrocnemius |
|
Helps in walking, running, and standing on tiptoe | Calf raises |
| Soleus |
|
Standing upright | Seated calf raises and soleus stretch |
| Plantaris |
|
Standing on the toes or pointing the foot in plantar flexion | Heel stretches |
| Tibialis posterior |
|
Pushing down car pedals | Tibialis posterior exercise with a band |
| Peroneus longus |
|
Walking on uneven surfaces |
|
| Peroneus brevis |
|
Walking on uneven surfaces |
|
| Flexor hallucis longus |
|
Very important for walking and balancing, especially while on tiptoe | Soleus stretch |
| Flexor digitorum longus |
|
Gripping with the toes | Soleus stretch |
In plantar flexion, as well as dorsiflexion, all these muscles and tendons work together to keep the body balanced and stable. When one of these muscles or tendons fails, the entire system is weakened, resulting in an injury and a reduced range of motion.
SLIDESHOW
Pictures of the 7 Most Effective Exercises to Do at the Gym or Home (and Tips to Improve Form) See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 10/13/2021
References
Best Exercises for Plantar Flexion: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/best-exercises-plantar-flexion
Sample records for plantar flexion exercise: https://worldwidescience.org/topicpages/p/plantar+flexion+exercise.html
Effects of Immobilization on Plantar-Flexion Torque, Fatigue Resistance, and Functional Ability Following an Ankle Fracture: https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/80/8/769/2857736
Sample records for plantar flexion exercise: https://worldwidescience.org/topicpages/p/plantar+flexion+exercise.html
Effects of Immobilization on Plantar-Flexion Torque, Fatigue Resistance, and Functional Ability Following an Ankle Fracture: https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/80/8/769/2857736
Complete List
Top What Is an Example of Plantar Flexion Related Articles
Ankle Pain (Tendonitis)
Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within 24 hours) to severe (which can require surgical repair). Tendinitis of the ankle can be caused by trauma or inflammation.
Broken Foot
A broken foot is a common injury. There are 26 bones in the foot, and these bones can be broken (fractured) in a variety of ways. Signs and symptoms of a broken bone in the foot are pain, swelling, redness, bruising, and limping because the person is not able to walk on the affected foot. You can tell if you have a broken foot by medical examination that includes imaging studies. The healing and recovery time for a broken bone in the foot depends upon the type of fracture and the bones broken.
Can Clubfoot Be Fixed?
Clubfoot is a fairly common congenital (present at birth) foot deformity. Approximately one infant in every 1,000 live births gets it. Clubfoot can be fixed if its treatment begins within the first week or two after birth.
Dislocated Ankle (Ankle Dislocation)
Symptoms and signs of a dislocated ankle include pain, swelling, bruising, ankle deformity, and possible numbness and tingling in the foot. Treatment of an ankle dislocation involves putting the ankle bones back in their normal positions, possible using gentle traction. The blood and nerve supply to the foot will be evaluated and the ankle will be checked for any related fractures. The ankle will be fitted with a splint or a cast.
Foot Pain
Foot pain may be caused by injuries (sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures), diseases (diabetes, Hansen disease, and gout), viruses, fungi, and bacteria (plantar warts and athlete's foot), or even ingrown toenails. Pain and tenderness may be accompanied by joint looseness, swelling, weakness, discoloration, and loss of function. Minor foot pain can usually be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation and OTC medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Severe pain should be treated by a medical professional.
Foot Picture
The end of the leg on which a person normally stands and walks. See a picture of Foot Anatomy and learn more about the health topic.
Foot Pain Slideshow
Learn about common causes of foot pain such as bunions, corns, athlete's foot, plantar warts and more. Get the latest information on treatments for foot pain.
How Do You Fix a High Ankle Sprain?
Treatment for a high ankle sprain typically follows the standard “RICE” protocol, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. More severe high ankle sprains may require surgery, taping, or braces.
How Do You Get Rid of Swollen Feet and Ankles?
Learn what medical treatments can help with swollen feet and ankles and speed up your recovery from swollen feet and ankles.
How Do You Treat Tendonitis in the Ankle?
Learn about the causes and symptoms of tendonitis in the ankle and treatment options.
How Do You Treat Tendonitis in the Foot?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your symptoms of tendonitis in the foot and help you manage tendonitis in the foot.
Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms and signs include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.
What Causes Swollen Feet and Swollen Ankles?
Swollen ankles and swollen feet is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition such as edema, medications, pregnancy, injuries, diseases, infections, lymphedema, or blood clots.
Feet & Your Health
Foot pain and heel pain can be signs of serious health problems. Discover information about cold feet, itchy feet, burning feet and swollen feet. Learn how psoriasis, lung problems, and diabetes can cause foot symptoms.