Plantar Flexion

Plantar flexion: A sagittal plane joint action of the ankle that results in the foot pointing away from the body or downward. It is a decrease in the angle between the calcaneus and the posterior aspect of the tibia.

• Opposing Joint Action: Dorsiflexion
• Plane of Motion: Sagittal
• Direction Bias: Down
• Note: Joint actions may be referred to as "osteokinematic motions" or "osteokinematic joint actions" to differentiate them from "arthrokinematic motions " (e.g., spin, glide, roll, compression, and distraction).

For more (including a video lecture), check out:

• Lesson 16: Ankle Joint Actions and Muscles

Joints that Perform Plantarflexion (and Sample Exercises):

1. Ankle joint (Talocrural joint) : Plantarflexion is a specific form of flexion at the ankle, where the foot moves away from the shin, as observed during calf raises or tibialis posterior activation .