Types Of Body Movements: Dorsiflexion

Table of Contents

What Is Dorsiflexion

Dorsiflexion generally refers to the movement of your foot or hand. When you perform Dorsiflexion, you are moving the segment backwards or having it point superiorly. For instance, when you perform Dorsiflexion of the hand, you are pulling the hand backwards towards the elbow, and the fingers are pointing up superiorly towards the ceiling.

Ankle Dorsiflexion 

Ankle Dorsiflexion is when the foot is brought closer to the tibia. This occurs by pointing the toes up towards the sky.  

Dorsiflexion of Foot

Dorsiflexion of the Foot is the same movement as Ankle Dorsiflexion. Your toes will be pointing up towards the sky and are brought closer to the shin.

Dorsiflexion Definition 

Dorsiflexion definitions are very consistent on the internet and are exactly as we described above, bringing the foot closer to the shins. You can also remember Dorsiflexion as toes or fingers pointed towards the sky.

Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion

Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion are two different movements that can occur at the hand or at the foot. Dorsiflexion is when the tarsals or carpals are pointed towards the sky. Plantar Flexion is when the tarsals or carpals are pointed down towards the ground or are in an inferior position.

We use Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion in different movements throughout our day. For instance, in the gait cycle we can see both Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion. When we are playing instruments, painting or brushing our hair, we can also see both Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion in the wrist.

Wrist Dorsiflexion

Wrist Dorsiflexion is when your fingers are pointed towards the sky. Wrist Dorsiflexion can be seen during forearm stretches where the arm is extended, and you use the opposite hand to pull the wrist back towards the forearm as the fingers are pointed up towards the sky. 

Dorsiflexion Exercises 

You can increase Dorsiflexion in the foot and the wrist. Some Dorsiflexion Exercises to try include:

• Toe Stretches with a wall

• Towel Stretches to pull the foot towards the shin

• Wrist Rotations

• Hand Raises

• Wrist Stretches 

Dorsiflexion Definition Anatomy 

Dorsiflexion can also be defined as flexion in a dorsal direction. Dorsal means behind, so it is flexion in a backwards direction.

Dorsiflexion Muscles

In the foot, the muscles that perform Dorsiflexion include, 

• Tibialis Anterior

• Extensor Hallicus Longus

• Extensor Digitorum Longus

In the wrist, the muscles that perform Dorsiflexion include,

• Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

• Flexor Carpi Radialis

• Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

Dorsiflexion Stretch 

There are many Dorsiflexion Stretches that you can use to increase Dorsiflexion in the foot or wrist. Some simple examples include placing your toes against a wall and bringing the shin towards the toes. For the wrist, extend the arm and pull your fingers towards back towards the forearm.

Ankle Dorsiflexion ROM 

The normal range of motion for Ankle Dorsiflexion is 0-20 degrees.

Toe Dorsiflexion

During Dorsiflexion, the toes are drawn backwards towards the shins, and up towards the sky. 

Opposite of Dorsiflexion 

The opposite of Dorsiflexion is Plantar Flexion. Plantar Flexion is when the toes or fingers are pointed downwards towards the floor.

Dorsiflexion Assist AFO 

AFO’s stand for Ankle Foot Orthotics and are designed to help those with foot drop Dorsiflex the foot. Dorsiflexion Assist AFO’s lock the foot in an appropriate position so that excessive Plantar Flexion does not occur.

Dorsiflexion Night Splint

Dorsiflexion Night Splints hold the foot in a Dorsiflexed position while you sleep to prevent the foot from locking up overnight and causing pain. Night Splints help to reduce inflammation and reduce the symptoms from many different foot conditions.  

Improve Ankle Dorsiflexion 

You can improve Ankle Dorsiflexion by performing some of the stretches that we listed above everyday!

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