Plantarflexion (or plantar flexion) is the movement which increases the approximate 90 degree angle between the front part of the foot and the shin, as when depressing an automobile pedal. The word "plantar" is commonly understood in medical terminology as the bottom of the foot - it translates as "toward the sole".
The movement in the opposite direction is dorsiflexion, where the dorsal part (top) of the foot is moved in a manner towards the tibia.
The range of motion for plantar flexion is usually indicated in the literature as 30° to 40°, but sometimes also 50°.
The nerves are primarily from the sacral spinal cord roots S1 and S2. Compression of S1 roots may result in weakness in plantar flexion.
Primary muscles for plantar flexion are:
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