What is the angle of dorsiflexion/plantarflexion at heel strike?

At heel strike, the position of the ankle is typically close to a neutral position, which is often quantified as approximately 90 degrees. This reflects a state where there is no significant dorsiflexion (DF) or plantarflexion (PF), indicating that the ankle is aligned and ready for initial contact with the ground.

During the gait cycle, neutral ankle positioning at heel strike allows for efficient loading and facilitates the transition into the next phase of gait. At this specific moment, the foot is preparing to absorb impact and transition into loading response, making a neutral ankle position advantageous for stability and support.

Understanding that this neutral position is critical for effective biomechanics helps clarify the importance of the angle of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion at heel strike during walking or running activities.