What is the movement called when the foot is raised and the toes are pulled toward the shin?

The movement of raising the foot and pulling the toes toward the shin is known as dorsiflexion. This action primarily occurs at the ankle joint and involves the anterior muscles of the lower leg, particularly the tibialis anterior. Dorsiflexion is essential for activities such as walking and running, as it allows the foot to clear the ground during the swing phase of gait and prepares the foot for heel strike.

Plantar flexion, which is not the correct answer, refers to the opposite movement, where the toes point downward away from the shin. Eversion, another incorrect option, describes the movement in which the sole of the foot turns outward, away from the midline of the body. Flexion is a more general term for decreasing the angle between body parts, such as bending a joint, and is not specific to the movement of the foot in this context.

Understanding these terms and the specific movement involved in dorsiflexion is important for anyone studying physical therapy, as it relates directly to gait mechanics and the rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries.