The primary movements of the ankle joint are plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, as it functions as a hinge joint which allows motion in one plane.
Understanding Ankle Movement
Here's a breakdown of the movements at the ankle:
- Plantarflexion: This is the motion of pointing your toes downward, like when you stand on your tiptoes or push the gas pedal in a car.
- Dorsiflexion: This is the movement of bringing your toes upwards towards your shin, like when flexing your foot.
Ankle Joint Function
The ankle joint primarily allows for these forward and backward movements. Other motions like eversion and inversion (moving your foot inward and outward) occur at other joints of the foot, such as the subtalar joint, not the ankle itself.
Summary
| Movement | Description |
|---|---|
| Plantarflexion | Pointing toes downward |
| Dorsiflexion | Bringing toes upwards toward the shin |
In conclusion, the main movements at the ankle joint itself are plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. This allows for the necessary bending of your foot.
