Referencing Movements Of The Foot And Hand

Referring To The Foot And Hand In Physiotherapy

The foot and hand are obviously unique parts of the body. In physiotherapy as in general medicine these areas have some movements and labeling specific to the foot and hand. The palm (adjective, palmar) of the hand corresponds to the sole (adjective, plantar) of the foot. Such as the palmar aspect of the hand is referring to an area on the palm side of the hand. Noting that The term volar, (used mainly in orthopaedics), is synonymous with the terms palmar and plantar. The dorsum (back) of the hand corresponds to the dorsum (top) of the foot when looking down on your feet when standing in the anatomical position.
From these above terms the following movement terms of the ankle are derived:
Dorsiflexion – meaning to flex upwards (true extension of the ankle) and the term plantarflexion, meaning to extend downwards (true flexion of the ankle).

Movements Unique To The Feet And Hands

Aside from flexion and extension movements, the foot is capable of movement along another axis. Due to the flexibility of the ankle joint. the foot can move into eversion and inversion.

• Eversion – Movement of the sole of the foot away from the median plane, so that the great toe moves away from the midline of the body.
• Inversion – Movement of the sole of the foot towards the median plane, so that the great toe moves toward the midline of the body. This is the same movement as the classic ankle sprain which is why this injury is commonly referred to as an ‘inversion ankle sprain’.

Aside from flexion, extension movements and side to side deviation movements the wrist is also capable of movement along another axis.

• Pronation – is the rotation of the hand so that the palm faces posteriorly (when standing in the anatomical position). Not to be confused with medial rotation of the whole limb. Pronation is best visualized when performed with the arm (elbow) half flexed.
• Supination – is the rotation of the hand so that the palm faces anteriorly (when standing in the anatomical position). Pronation and supination are movements occurring at the elbow and wrist.

Disclaimer: Sydney Physio Clinic provides this information as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific advice or assistance on Referencing Movements Of The Foot And Hand should consult his or her physiotherapist, general practitioner or otherwise appropriately skilled practitioner.