Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are ankle joint movements that occur at a hinge joint and the primary distinction between the two is the direction of flexion.
- Dorsum (superior surface): Dorsiflexion is the lifting of the front of the foot so that the top of the foot moves toward the anterior leg.
- Plantar surface (sole): Plantar flexion is the lifting of the heel of the foot from the ground or pointing the toes downward.
All the lower muscles and tendons work together to keep the body balanced and stable during plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. When one of the muscles or tendons fails, it weakens the entire system, resulting in an injury and a reduced range of motion. Both movements are needed for good posture and gait while walking and standing.
| Dorsiflexion | Plantar flexion | |
|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | The upward flexion of the foot is called dorsiflexion. | Plantar flexion is a foot movement in which the toes and foot flex toward the sole. |
| Muscles involved |
|
|
| Angle |
|
|
| Significance | During dorsiflexion, the foot points more superiorly at the ankle joint. | During plantar flexion, the foot points more inferiorly at the ankle joint. |
| Example | When walking on the heels, the ankle joint is in dorsiflexion. | The ankle joint is in plantar flexion when pressing down on a car pedal. |
What is ankle dislocation?
Ankle dislocation is a serious injury that is caused by an abnormal separation of the bones of an ankle joint. They occur far more frequently with ankle fractures than with sprains.
Anatomy of an ankle joint
The ankle joint is made up of three bones:
- Shinbone (tibia)
- The smaller bone in the leg (fibula)
- A bone in the foot (talus)
The ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down. The subtalar joint, which is located beneath this ankle joint, connects the talus to another bone in the foot (calcaneus). This joint allows the foot to move from side to side. Usually, a network of very strong ligaments holds these bones together. The ligaments are quite strong and do not easily pull away or tear.
Causes of ankle dislocation
Injury can cause these ligaments to be pulled or torn out of place. This results in an abnormal space between one or more bones.
- Ankle dislocations are frequently associated with a break in one or more of the ankle bones. In some cases, the ankle dislocation is accompanied by a severe ankle sprain when the ligaments are torn.
- In most cases, the talus bone is pushed behind the other ankle bones due to the injury. It can be pushed to either side, forward, or upward.
Treatment for ankle dislocation
The most common treatment for ankle dislocation is closed reduction and internal fixation:
- Closed reduction occurs when the surgeon moves the bones back into place. To allow these bones to heal properly, they are put in place during surgery under general anesthesia.
- Special plates and screws may be used to keep the bones in place. This is called internal fixation.
- The surgeon usually repairs the torn ligaments during the same procedure to keep the bone in place.
SLIDESHOW
Pictures of the 7 Riskiest Workout Moves, and How to Improve Them See SlideshowWhat are the different grades of ankle sprains?
An ankle sprain is when the ankle twists unnaturally, damaging the ligaments and causing pain and swelling:
- Grade I sprain: Grade I sprains occur with slight damage to the ligament fibers. There is minimal tenderness and swelling, as well as a limited ability to move the joint. Walking may be difficult, but it is possible.
- Grade II sprain: A grade II sprain is a partial ligament tear. An abnormal looseness and movement of the ankle joint are felt when the ankle joint is examined and moved. The joint will be swollen and tender, with a limited range of motion and the possibility of instability. Walking may be difficult, but not impossible.
- Grade III sprain: A grade III sprain is a complete ligament tear. There will be a lot of swelling and pain, as well as a lot of instability in the joint. It will be impossible to walk on it.
Medically Reviewed on 10/26/2021
References
Image Source: KBYC Photography / Getty Images
TeachMe Series. Anatomical Terms of Movement. https://teachmeanatomy.info/the-basics/anatomical-terminology/terms-of-movement/
Alves C, Lysenko M, Tomlinson GA, et al. Plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, range of movement and hindfoot deviation are important determinants of foot function in children. J Child Orthop. 2019;13(5):486-499. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6808068/
Michigan Medicine. Ankle Sprain. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/te7557
Davenport M. Reduction of Ankle Dislocation Technique. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/109244-technique
TeachMe Series. Anatomical Terms of Movement. https://teachmeanatomy.info/the-basics/anatomical-terminology/terms-of-movement/
Alves C, Lysenko M, Tomlinson GA, et al. Plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, range of movement and hindfoot deviation are important determinants of foot function in children. J Child Orthop. 2019;13(5):486-499. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6808068/
Michigan Medicine. Ankle Sprain. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/te7557
Davenport M. Reduction of Ankle Dislocation Technique. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/109244-technique
Complete List
Top Dorsiflexion vs Plantar Flexion: Differences Related Articles
10 Benefits of Walking Quiz
Take this 10 Benefits of Walking Quiz to learn about the many health benefit of walking for exercise!
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.
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, possibly 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.
Fitness and Exercise: Common Walking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Walking is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other, but you can make some missteps. Find out how to avoid common walking mistakes.
Fitness and Exercise: How to Start a Walking Program
Walking has lots of health benefits, but for most folks, it's hard to figure out how to make it part of their routine. Learn how to design a walking program and find out the best ways to stick with it.
Foot Health: Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles
Swollen feet and ankles may be associated with conditions like pregnancy, injury, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, chronic venous insufficiency, and lymphedema. Treatment may include home remedies, exercise, magnesium, and certain medications.
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.
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.
Swollen Ankles and Swollen Feet
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.
What Are the Benefits of Ankle Taping and Bracing?
The concept of prophylactic (preventative) ankle wrapping was introduced more than 60 years ago to prevent or reduce the severity of ankle injuries. Tape or a brace may be applied before practice or a competition. Ankle bracing and taping should be done under the guidance of a sports medicine physician or a training athletic staff.
What Is the Reduction of an Ankle Dislocation?
An abnormal separation between the bones of a joint is called a dislocation. When this happens to the ankle joint, it is called an ankle dislocation. Sometimes, a surgeon may need to align the bones back in place through the surgery under general anesthesia to let them heal correctly. This is called reduction.
When Are Ankle Splints Used?
Splints are primarily used to stabilize injuries to bones until the patient can be evaluated by a consultant, such as an orthopedic surgeon. Ankle splints are applied to minimize movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury at the ankle joint. Immobilizing the joint reduces pain and helps the injury heal faster.