Ankle Flexion and Extension

fine

anatomy

By Susan L. Hitzmann, MS

Ankle Flexion and Extension
The lower leg and its functions and role in stabilization.

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ecause the ground constantly has variables, human feet need to adapt to their interface with it immediately on contact. In normal function and anatomical position, the ankle joint has flexion (dorsiflexion) and extension (plantar flexion). All other movements in the ankle region are created by the foot’s dynamic joint structure. The ankle is composed of the distal tibia, distal fibula and dome of the talus (also known as the ankle mortise or mortise joint). The foot is composed of 26 bones and 33 joints and has many intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Although inversion and eversion are actions not of the ankle joint but of the foot, the musculature within the lower leg acts directly on the foot and needs no assistance from other muscles to create motion. Pronation and supination occur not in the foot but in its subtalar joint.

1. Tibialis Anterior

This muscle originates from the upper two-thirds of the lateral tibia and medial surfaces of the first cuneiform and first metatarsal. It not only is the strongest dorsiflexor but also creates inversion of the foot.
2. Extensor Digitorum Longus

This muscle originates from the lateral tibial condyle, most of the anterior fibular shaft, and the interosseous membrane. Its tendon passes under the musculature in the foot, splits into four individual tendons and inserts on toes 2 through 5. These tendons then split into two ends, each connecting to its relative toe at the middle phalanx and base of the distal phalanx. The extensor digitorum longus creates dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of toes 2 through 5.
3. Extensor Hallucis Longus

A Kinesiological Look at the Lower Leg The ankle joint is constantly exposed to extreme mechanical conditions during even the simplest motion, such as gait. A hinge joint with only the ability to create flexion and extension freely in the sagittal plane, the ankle (tibiotarsal joint) controls movement of the leg relative to the foot. These movements are essential for walking on any surface, regardless of terrain. The ankle is subject to the weight of the entire body and the forces generated by the dissipation of kinetic energy when the foot makes contact with the ground. This article focuses only on those muscles involved in flexion and extension of the ankle in the sagittal plane, when the sole of the foot is perpendicular to the axis of the leg. Many of these muscles have dual jobs, which are noted.
DORSIFLEXION

This muscle arises from the medial two-thirds of the fibula and the interosseous membrane, passes under the musculature of the foot and inserts on the dorsum of the distal phalanx of the great toe. It creates dorsiflexion of the ankle and extension of the great toe.
4. Peroneus Tertius

Considered part of the extensor digitorum longus, this muscle does not reach the toes. It arises from the distal third of the anterior fibula and the interosseous membrane and inserts at the dorsal base of the fifth metatarsal. The peroneus tertius acts predominantly in eversion of the foot but also creates dorsiflexion of the ankle.
EXTENSION

Dorsiflexion is the lifting of the dorsum (superior surface) of the foot toward the anterior surface of the leg. Range of motion (ROM) is zero to 20 degrees.

Extension, or plantar flexion, of the ankle occurs when the dorsum of the foot lengthens in line with the leg, or points downward (as in depressing the accelerator in a car). Plantar flexion angle is much greater than that of dorsiflexion; ROM is zero to 50 degrees.

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THE ANKLE FLEXORS AND EXTENSORS: ORIGIN, INSERTION AND ACTION
Origin Tibialis Anterior lateral shaft of tibia, interosseous membrane lateral tibial condyle, proximal two-thirds of anterior shaft of fibula, interosseous membrane anterior shaft of fibula, interosseous membrane anterior distal fibula (with extensor digitorum longus) posterior tibia, fibula, interosseous membrane posterior fibula Insertion base of first metatarsal, first medial cuneiform middle and distal phalanges of 4 lateral toes Primary Action ankle dorsiflexion, foot inversion extension of 4 lateral toes, ankle dorsiflexion

Extensor Digitorum Longus

Extensor Hallucis Longis Peroneus Tertius

base of distal phalanx of great toe

extension of great toe, ankle dorsiflexion foot eversion, ankle dorsiflexion ankle plantar flexion, foot inversion ankle plantar flexion, flexion of great toe ankle plantar flexion, flexion of phalanges 2 through 5 ankle plantar flexion, knee flexion

base of fifth metatarsal

Tibialis Posterior

navicular bone, adjacent tarsals and metatarsals on plantar surface distal phalanx of great toe (plantar surface) distal phalanges of 4 lateral toes on plantar surface calcaneus (via Achilles tendon)

Flexor Hallucis Longus Flexor Digitorum Longus Gastrocnemius

posterior tibia

medial epicondyle of femur (medial head), lateral epicondyle of femur (lateral head) soleal line of tibia, posterior head and upper shaft of fibula lateral epicondyle of femur

Soleus

calcaneus (via Achilles tendon)

ankle plantar flexion

Plantaris

calcaneus (via Achilles tendon)

ankle plantar flexion, knee flexion ankle plantar flexion, foot eversion ankle plantar flexion, foot eversion

Peroneus Longus

upper two-thirds of lateral shaft of fibula

base of first metatarsal and first medial cuneiform (plantar surface) base of fifth metatarsal

Peroneus Brevis

lateral shaft of fibula (lower two-thirds)

1. Gastrocnemius

3. Plantaris

This muscle originates by its medial and lateral heads on the distal posterior femur, just superior to the femoral condyles, and inserts on the posterior calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. It assists in stabilizing the knee during medial rotation.
2. Soleus

This muscle originates at the lateral femoral condyle, travels medially around the tibia between the soleus and the gastrocnemius and shares with the gastrocnemius the common insertion into the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. The plantaris assists in ankle plantar flexion and knee flexion.
4. Flexor Hallucis Longus

This muscle has a broad origin from the posterior-superior tibia and fibula. It merges with the gastrocnemius to insert on the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. The main function of the soleus is plantar flexion during gait.

tali (the prominent projection on the calcaneus), and along the medial plantar surface of the foot and inserts on the plantar surface of the first distal phalanx. The flexor hallucis longis aids plantar flexion of the ankle and the great toe, supports the medial arch and creates inversion of the foot. It is also important in the propulsion phase of walking and provides anterior support for balancing on tiptoe.
5. Flexor Digitorum Longus

This muscle arises from the posteriorinferior fibula and interosseous membrane. It runs along a groove on the posterior talus, posterior to the medial malleolus, behind the sustentaculum

This muscle originates from the posteriormedial shaft. It runs posterior to the medial malleolus and sustentaculum

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fine

anatomy

SUGGESTED EXERCISES
To create safe and effective training programs, you must be able to assess movement, identify ideal range of motion (ROM), recognize imbalances and choose exercises that will help correct dysfunction. Before choosing exercises, analyze your client’s movements and test which muscles are weak, inhibited or tight. If you find dysfunction or deviations from natural ROM, consider a corrective strategy. Persistent postural misalignments can often cause pain ranging in effect from discomfort to incapacitation. Many of the exercises discussed previously in this column, specifically those that emphasize standing on one leg, also challenge lower-leg musculature with their stabilizing mechanics. PLANTAR FLEXORS 1. GASTROCNEMIUS To strengthen the gastrocnemius, try this simple exercise, but be sure not to pitch forward during the lift phase. First try this movement with your back against a wall to get the feel of it. Once proper form is achieved, advance to a free-standing position. If forward motion is not excessive, perform the exercise on a platform with your heels hanging off the end. If dysfunction is present, perform the exercise on a flat surface and add support by holding the back of a chair or standing near a wall:
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mius is not involved, soleus is forced to assume lead role in raising heels off floor and lowering heels to floor.)
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to lifting both feet simultaneously.
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Sitting directly on ischial tuberosities (“sits” bones) for good support, draw navel in toward spine with lower abdominal wall. Lift heels off floor by pressing balls of feet into floor. Hold at top of motion and then lower slowly. To increase difficulty, place weight on each thigh just above knee and lift one leg at a time, or “hang” heels off end of platform to increase ROM at ankle joint.
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Gradually work up to 2 sets of 10 reps. Do no more than 3 sets per session; if movements are done correctly, these muscles are easily fatigued.

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5. INVERSION AND EVERSION Lie sideways on elevated platform with feet hanging over one end.

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Manually keep feet together at medial malleolus or wrap ankle weight around both feet. (You can either put a weight in a long sock and tie it around both feet or use a large ankle weight with a long Velcro strap that reaches around both feet.) Keep legs straight (no knee bend) and rotate both feet bottoms-up toward ceiling. (The top leg performs eversion; the lower leg performs inversion.) Perform 10 reps. Flip to other side and repeat. To work one movement at a time, work only top leg to emphasize eversion or only bottom leg to emphasize inversion.

DORSIFLEXORS Strengthening these muscles, which always function as a team and work with some of the extensors during exercise in the open chain, involves incorporating different angles for optimal effect.
3. DORSIFLEXION This exercise can be performed with one’s hands providing resistance. If the client has any knee or lower-back problems, place a pad under his knees to take any excess pressure off the kneecaps and low back:
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From flat-footed position, rise on toes of both feet simultaneously. Keep hips in line with knees (plumb line) to enhance proper function in movement. Maintain straight knees and watch for hyperextension or deviations from plumb line. Repeat slow, controlled lifts until 10 repetitions can be completed with good form. Once exercise can be executed properly, perform without prop. To advance movement again, perform exercise on one leg at a time. Progress sets and reps as performance improves.

Sit with knees at 90-degree angle off high platform so lower legs can dangle and not touch ground. Draw in with lower abdominal wall to keep torso stable. Point toes toward floor. Hold top of one foot and lift front of that foot toward shin. Do not lead with toe extension. (Action should be not at toes but at ankle joint.) Continue holding foot and lift it in sweeping motion from center to medially lifted position (big toe leading movement). Then point foot back down toward center and lift it as far laterally and upward as possible. Perform 10 reps with each foot, increasing only once perfect form is achieved.

6. JUMP ROPE When no dysfunction is present, an easy yet challenging way to train the dorsiflexors and plantar flexors is to jump rope:
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Jump rope while concentrating on not bending knees. Do not “lock out” knees; try to keep legs straight and jump from strength and motion created in pushoff of foot and ankle complex. (Quick jumping in this manner can greatly help runners who, because of weak gastrocnemii and tight hamstrings, have difficulty in lengthening their strides. This exercise can also benefit runners who have lost their ability to create adequate pushoff in running stride.) Perform in 10-to-30-second intervals for maximum of 3 sets per training session at first. Progress as needed.

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2. SOLEUS Sit on any surface that allows thighs to be parallel to floor (such as stability ball, chair or platform).

4. CLOSED-CHAIN EXERCISE In this exercise, deviations such as sticking the butt backward and tipping the torso into flexion are signs of dysfunction and weakness in the muscle:
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Bend knees 90 degrees and keep feet flat on floor. (Remember: If knees are at 90degree angle, gastrocnemius is slackened at upper attachment of knee, becoming unable to aid movement. When gastrocne-

Stand in neutral position. Try to lift toes off ground without deviating pelvis posteriorly or flexing through torso. Begin with one foot at a time and progress

Tip: Landing softly, which can benefit the body’s short- and long-term function, is easier said than done. The most basic tip is to train on a soft surface such as a raised hardwood athletic floor, such as those found in aerobics rooms. Teach controlled landings for better performance. Hopping or jumping in a multiplanar fashion also challenges the neural control of the system.

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tali and along the plantar surface of the foot and inserts on the second through the fifth distal phalanges. The flexor digitorum longus is the most powerful flexor of toes 2 through 5. It also supports the arches, inverts the foot and plantar flexes the ankle.
6. Tibialis Posterior

tarsal. Both the peroneus longus and the peroneus brevis lie on the lateral side of the fibula and laterally to the long axis of the ankle joint, are extrinsic muscles and simultaneously produce abduction and pronation.

The origin of this muscle begins at the interosseous membrane and the posteriorsuperior tibial and fibular shafts. It passes posterior to the medial malleolus and anterior to the sustentaculum tali. Its insertions span the cuboid, the lateral cuneiform, metatarsals 2 through 4 and, on its primary insertion, the medial tubercle of the navicular. The tibialis posterior not only is a plantar flexor but also has with the peroneus longus a conjunction that creates for the middle foot a “sling” that is crucial in supporting the lateral weight-bearing arches and helps stabilize the ankle in standing or rising on tiptoe. Lying medially to the long axis of the ankle joint, the tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus simultaneously produce adduction and supination.
7. Peroneus Longus

One Step at a Time Our feet not only take on the difficult, demanding function of bearing body weight but also perform complex movements necessary for walking, running and jumping. Malfunction and malformation of the feet are common because many people wear “fashionable” high-heels and poorly fitted shoes or abuse their feet during athletic pursuits. Understanding the structure and function of the foot will help you help your clients avoid injury. You must take at least a few moments out of your sessions to train clients out of their shoes to teach them how to articulate the motion of their toes. Of course, ankle flexion and extension are just two pieces of the intricate puzzle of gait. In the next article, I will describe movements of the foot and the essential strength and flexibility required to maintain the ability to walk throughout one’s lifetime.
Susan L. Hitzmann, MS, owner of Body Language Fitness Company, is a neuromuscular and craniosacral therapist in New York City. Using manual therapies, integrated training techniques and neuromuscular reeducation, she has created a methodology that enhances joint articulation and movement in the body. She has also been a national fitness presenter for IDEA, IHRSA and ECA and continuing education provider for fitness certification organizations such as NASM, ACE and AFAA. Contact her at www.bodylanguagefitness.com.