What Is the Plantar Flexor?

Plantar flexors include the major and minor muscles and tendons of the calf, ankle and feet. Your plantar flexors enable you to move your ankles, feet and toes in all directions.

Identification

• Both the larger gastrocnemius muscle and the underlying soleus muscle of the calf connect with the Achilles tendon in the ankle. From the Achilles, a number of smaller plantor flexor muscles run through the feet and connect to your toes. Several additional plantar flexor muscles and tendons located in the calf assist with foot and ankle movements as well.

Function

• Plantar flexor movements include both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Moving the foot downward, such as pointing your toes or pushing off when you run, is called plantar flexion. Upward foot motion, such as flexing your foot toward your shin, is known as dorsiflexion.

Significance

• Your plantar flexors play a key role in everyday mobility -- you use them with every step you take. It's essential to keep them free from injury in order to stay active and on your feet. Adding specific plantar flexor strengthening and stretching exercises to your exercise program can help you accomplish this (see Resources).