The ankle primarily rotates through plantarflexion (pointing the toes down) and dorsiflexion (lifting the toes up), motions that mainly occur at the tibiotalar joint.
Here's a breakdown:
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Main Motion: The ankle's rotation is primarily movement in the sagittal plane, meaning it moves forward and backward. Think of it like flexing and extending your foot.
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Joint Involved: The tibiotalar joint (where the tibia and fibula meet the talus bone in the foot) is the main player in this motion.
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Types of Movement:
- Plantarflexion: This is pointing your toes downwards, like when you stand on your tiptoes. The ankle moves downward.
- Dorsiflexion: This is lifting your toes upwards towards your shin. The ankle moves upwards.
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Range of Motion: The typical range of motion is between 65 and 75 degrees. This range includes approximately 10-20 degrees of dorsiflexion and 40-55 degrees of plantarflexion.
In summary, ankle "rotation" predominantly involves plantarflexion and dorsiflexion at the tibiotalar joint, allowing for up-and-down movement of the foot.
