Excessive dorsiflexion of the ankle is a potential cause of which type of tendon injury?

Excessive dorsiflexion of the ankle is primarily associated with the risk of injury to the Achilles tendon. This is because the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus) and plays a critical role in activities that involve ankle movement. When dorsiflexion is excessive, it places additional strain on the Achilles tendon, especially during activities that require pushing off or sprinting.

In scenarios where the ankle is forced into this position beyond its normal range, it can lead to overloading or microtrauma to the tendon itself. This may result in conditions such as tendinitis, tendinosis, or even tears if acute force is applied.

The other tendons mentioned (patellar, quadriceps, and hamstring) are more affected by movements related to knee flexion and extension rather than the position of the ankle. Therefore, the connection to excessive ankle dorsiflexion and its implications is specifically relevant to the Achilles tendon.