During your examination of a patient's lower extremity, you have identified tightness of the gastrocnemius muscle.You are teaching a patient to perform self-ROM exercises of the ankle.In order to maintain the gastrocnemius in a relaxed position while moving the ankle into full range of dorsiflexion available, the patient should:
A)Actively extend the toes.
B)Keep the knee extended.
C)Actively flex the toes.
D)Keep the knee flexed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Keeping the knee flexed helps to maintain a relaxed position of the gastrocnemius muscle while performing ankle dorsiflexion, which allows for a more effective stretch of the muscle. Activating the toe flexors or extensors can also cause tension in the gastrocnemius and hinder the effectiveness of the stretch.

During Your Examination of a Patient's Lower Extremity, You Have