Contents
What nerve is Achilles reflex?
The Achilles tendon is innervated primarily by the S1 and S2 nerve roots of the Tibial nerve. [7] The Achilles tendon reflex is a stretch reflex, which refers to the involuntary contraction of a muscle in response to passive stretching.
Where do you hit Achilles reflex?
Locate the heel of the foot and dorsiflex the foot. The achilles is found right above the heel. Now have the patient dangle the foot while you dorsiflex it. While the foot is dorsiflex, tap with the reflex hammer briskly on the achilles tendon.
What does an absent Achilles reflex mean?
A decreased or absent reflex may mean that there is compression in the L2, L3, or L4 region. Achilles tendon reflex. A decreased or absent reflex may mean that there is compression in the S1 region.
Why is Achilles reflex important in walking?
The Achilles reflex, also called the ankle jerk reflex, is tested with the foot in dorsiflexion. When the Achilles tendon (calcaneal tendon) is tapped with a reflex hammer, the normal reflex causes plantar flexion of the foot due to the contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Why is patellar reflex faster than Achilles?
Fewer neuron fibers need to be activated for the Achilles reflex as compared to the Patellar reflex. The number of muscle fibers that need to be activated in the patellar reflex to create a response is greater and therefore the response may be slower that the Achilles reflex.
What is the Achilles reflex test used for?
The ankle jerk reflex, also known as the Achilles reflex, occurs when the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsiflexed. It is a type of stretch reflex that tests the function of the gastrocnemius muscle and the nerve that supplies it.
Why is Achilles reflex important?
The Achilles reflex checks if the S1 and S2 nerve roots are intact and could be indicative of sciatic nerve pathology. It is classically delayed in hypothyroidism. This reflex is usually absent in disk herniations at the L5—S1 level. A reduction in the ankle jerk reflex may also be indicative of peripheral neuropathy.
Where is the Achilles reflex located in the foot?
In the Achilles reflex, the hammer taps the Achilles tendon while the foot is dorsiflexed, and the foot, in response, should jerk toward the plantar surface. The Achilles reflex originates in the S1 and S2 nerve roots.
Can a doctor test the patellar and Achilles reflexes?
To determine this, doctors may also test stretch reflexes in the triceps muscle and the Achilles tendon (ankle-jerk reflex) and compare results. The Achilles reflex is a monosynaptic stretch reflex similar to the patellar reflex.
Why is the relaxation phase of the Achilles reflex slow?
The relaxation phase of the Achilles reflex is abnormally slow in most FMS patients before they begin taking thyroid hormone. The speed of the relaxation phase is a measure of the status of muscle energy metabolism in the calf muscles.
What does it mean when you hit Your Achilles tendon?
Also known as the ankle jerk reflex, the Achilles reflex is a response to a strike to the back of the ankle. It can be demonstrated by hitting the Achilles tendon when the foot is flexed upward at the ankle joint so that the top of the foot is brought toward the shin.