Why is ankle dorsiflexion ROM important for lower-extremity injury risk?

• A. It has no impact on injury risk
• B. Limited dorsiflexion can alter landing mechanics and increase knee and hip loading, elevating injury risk
• C. It only affects performance
• D. It only affects ankle mobility

Answer: (C)

Adequate ankle dorsiflexion ROM lets the ankle accommodate forward tibial movement during landing and deceleration, which helps the knee and hip absorb forces in a safe sequence. When dorsiflexion is limited, the body compensates by altering movement at the knee and hip—things like less forward tibial progression, more knee valgus, and changes in hip and trunk position. These compensations raise the forces on the knee and hip, increasing the risk of injuries such as ACL tears and other lower-extremity injuries during tasks like jumping, landing, and cutting. So, ankle dorsiflexion ROM matters for injury risk, not just performance. The statements suggesting no injury impact or that it only affects ankle mobility miss this broader, mechanistic effect.