Enkelflexie

Enkelflexie refers to the range of motion at the ankle joint, specifically the ability to move the foot downwards away from the shin (plantarflexion) and upwards towards the shin (dorsiflexion). This movement is crucial for a variety of everyday activities such as walking, running, jumping, and maintaining balance. The ankle joint is a complex hinge joint formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus bones, allowing for this primary flexion and extension.

Adequate enkelflexie is important for biomechanical efficiency. Limited dorsiflexion, for example, can affect gait by altering stride length and increasing the risk of knee pain or other compensatory injuries. Conversely, limited plantarflexion can impact the ability to push off the ground effectively during locomotion. Factors influencing enkelflexie include the flexibility of the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), the structure of the ankle joint itself, and the presence of any scar tissue or joint restrictions.

Assessment of enkelflexie is often performed passively or actively by a healthcare professional. It can be measured in degrees using a goniometer. Rehabilitation exercises aimed at improving enkelflexie typically involve stretching the calf muscles and strengthening the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion. Maintaining good enkelflexie is beneficial for overall lower limb function and injury prevention.