Ankle plantar flexion Passive

Starting Position

Align the plantar surface of the foot perpendicular to the axis of the leg, this is your zero degree starting position. The knee may be either extended or flexed for this test.

Ending position

Normal range of plantar flexion is 35 to 50 degrees.

Clinical Significance

Limited plantar flexion may be due to anterior capsule contracture or posterior boney impingement. The patient may feel pain in the posterior ankle upon passive plantar flexion if a boney impingement is present. Capsular contracture may be the result of a major ankle injury, and history of trauma should be noted.