What could be the reasons for being unable to bend the foot upward?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Difficulty bending the foot upward, medically known as reduced dorsiflexion, is often caused by Achilles tendon issues (such as tightness or tendinopathy), complications following a leg fracture, or muscle contractures that limit ankle mobility. Nerve conditions and post-surgical stiffness can also contribute.

Because the underlying causes vary widely—from minor tendon strain to nerve involvement—identifying the source early is key to effective treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your limited foot movement and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why your foot won't bend upward Learn if foot stiffness needs urgent care See likely causes of trouble bending foot Find OTC relief for foot pain Find a foot and ankle specialist Discover home remedies for stiff feet Understand if foot symptoms need a check

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Explanation

There are several reasons why someone might have trouble bending their foot upward, a movement known as dorsiflexion.

Achilles Tendon Rupture: The Achilles tendon is important for foot movement. If it tears, you might not be able to move your foot properly. This can happen suddenly during activities like jumping or running.
Tibial Fractures and Fixation: If the leg bone, called the tibia, breaks and is fixed with external devices, it can limit ankle movement. This might make it hard to move your foot up and down.
Muscle Contractures: Sometimes, after injuries like fractures, the muscles can tighten too much. This is called a contracture. If the muscle on the top of your foot tightens, it can prevent you from bending your foot upward.

Understanding these issues can help in managing and treating the problem. If you experience difficulty with foot movement or other concerning symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your condition and determine the best next steps for care.

(References)

Boyd RP, Dimock R, Solan MC, & Porter E. (2015). Achilles tendon rupture: how to avoid missing the diagnosis. The British Journal of General Practice, 4655731.
Taylor GJ, & Allum RL. (1988). Ankle motion after external fixation of tibial fractures - PMC. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 1291421.
Wu YL, Huang PJ, Cheng YM, & Chen SJ. (2020). Contracture of extensor hallucis longus after fracture .... Trauma Case Reports, 7042477.

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