Plantarflexion
Pronunciation: PLAN-tar-flek-shun
The downward bending of the foot or toes away from the shin, the anatomical opposite of dorsiflexion, relevant to the design and function of lower-limb orthoses.
Full Definition
Plantarflexion is the anatomical movement in which the foot is extended downward, pointing the toes away from the shin. In orthotics, excessive or uncontrolled plantarflexion may indicate the need for an orthosis with plantarflexion stops. Editors should note that the preferred single-word spelling is 'plantarflexion,' not 'plantar flexion' (two words) or 'plantar-flexion' (hyphenated), though variation exists across style guides. The term must be consistently distinguished from dorsiflexion throughout any clinical document.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred as a single unhyphenated word. Ensure consistent treatment with 'dorsiflexion' in the same document. Not synonymous with 'supination.'
In Context
- "The solid AFO restricted plantarflexion, preventing toe drag during the swing phase." — Gait analysis report
- "Style consistency requires that 'plantarflexion' be written as one word throughout the manuscript." — Copyediting annotation