- Dorsiflexion is the movement of the foot upwards, away from the shin. This movement is performed by the tibialis anterior muscle, which is located on the front of the lower leg. Dorsiflexion is important for walking, running, and other activities that require the foot to be lifted off the ground.
- Plantarflexion is the movement of the foot downwards, towards the shin. This movement is performed by the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are located on the back of the lower leg. Plantarflexion is important for standing, walking, and running. It is also the movement that is used to accelerate the foot during kicking.