Difference Between Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion

Main Difference – Dorsiflexion vs Plantar Flexion

Flexion and extension are the two angular motions of the body. Flexion is the decrease of the angle between two anatomical parts of the body while extension is the increase of the angle between two anatomical structures. Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are two special movements of the flexion of the foot. The joint that is involved in the dorsiflexion and plantar flexion is the ankle joint. The main difference between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion is that dorsiflexion is the action which decreases the angle between the leg and the dorsum of the foot whereas plantar flexion is the action which decreases the angle between the back of the leg and the sole of the foot.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Dorsiflexion
      – Definition, Type of Motion, Example
2. What is Plantar Flexion
      – Definition, Type of Motion, Example
3. What are the Similarities Between Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Ankle Joint, Dorsiflexion, Flexion, Foot, Plantar Flexion, Sole, Toes, Wrist Joint

What is Dorsiflexion

Dorsiflexion refers to the flexion of the foot in the upward direction. It is the backward bending and contracting of the foot. In the foot, the ankle joint is involved in the dorsiflexion. The drawing of the toes toward the shins makes the position of the dorsiflexion. The shinbones are contracted during the dorsiflexion of the foot. Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot are shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion of Foot

 Dorsiflexion can also be identified in the hand as well. It happens when the wrist joint is flexed back toward the lower arm. The lifting of the fingers in the backward direction while keeping the hand as it is may also produce a dorsiflexion position. Dorsiflexion of the small finger is shown in figure 2.

Figure 2: Dorsiflexion of the Small Finger

The dorsiflexion of the ankle can be limited by several conditions such as tight calves and flat feet, which limit the range of the motion. Too tight ankle joints or injured ankle joints may also cause the limited dorsiflexion. These restricted ankle joints can be inherited as well. Most of the tightenings of the ankle joint are caused by injuries, which may induce the formation of scar tissues. The dorsiflexion of the wrist can be limited by injuries as well as arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome, Kienbock’s disease, and ganglion cysts may also cause restricted wrist joints. 

What is Plantar Flexion

Plantar flexion refers to a movement of the foot in which the foot and toes flex towards the sole. This means the foot points towards the floor during plantar flexion. The normal range of motion is 20 to 50 degrees. Ballet dancers who dance on their tips of the toes show an extreme range of plantar flexion motion. A ballet dancer, exhibiting plantar flexion of the feet is shown in figure 3.

Figure 3: Plantar Flexion of the Feet of a Ballet Dancer

The motion of the plantar flexion can be limited by injuries. Plantar flexion is similar to the palmar flexion of the hand.

Similarities Between Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion

• Both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are two types of flexion movements, which occur in the ankle joint.
• Both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion decrease the angle between the leg and the foot.

Difference Between Dorsiflexion and Plantar Flexion

Definition

Dorsiflexion: Dorsiflexion refers to the flexion of the foot in an upward direction.

Plantar Flexion: Plantar flexion refers to a movement of the foot where the foot and toes flex towards the sole.

The Angle

Dorsiflexion:  The angle between leg and the dorsum of the foot is decreased during dorsiflexion.

Plantar Flexion: The angle between the back of the leg and the sole of the foot is decreased during plantar flexion.

Significance

Dorsiflexion: The foot points more superiorly at the ankle joint during the dorsiflexion.

Plantar Flexion: The foot points more inferiorly at the ankle joint during the plantar flexion.

Examples

Dorsiflexion: When walking on heels, the ankle joint exhibits dorsiflexion position.

Plantar Flexion: When depressing a car pedal, the ankle joint exhibits plantar flexion position.

Conclusion

Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are two motions of the body, decreasing the angle between two anatomical parts of the body. Dorsiflexion occurs in both ankle joint and wrist joint. But, plantar flexion only occurs in the ankle joint. During dorsiflexion, the angle between leg and the dorsum of the foot is decreased. During plantar flexion, the angle between the back of the leg and the sole of the foot is decreased. The main difference between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion is the direction of the flexion.

Reference:

1.Cronkleton, Emily. “Dorsiflexion.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 14 July 2017, Available here.
2.Johnson, Jon. “Plantar Flexion: Function, anatomy, and injuries.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Plantarflexion dorsiflexion” By Osteomyoamare – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Passive dorsiflexion of little finger” By Fiona McWhinnie – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “017 ‘Ballerina’ 18×24 oil on linen” By Flasher – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia