For talocrural anterior glide, what is the force hand placement?

• A. Web space over talus
• B. Palm on plantar surface
• C. Wrapped around calcaneus
• D. Fingers around navicular

Answer: (C)

In talocrural anterior glide, the goal is to translate the talus forward within the ankle mortise to help increase dorsiflexion. That requires a stable grip that lets you direct a controlled anterior shear across the talocrural joint while keeping the hindfoot and leg aligned. Wrapping your hand around the calcaneus provides a broad, secure contact that lets you anchor the hindfoot and apply the anterior force through the talus with good control. This grip also helps you stabilize the leg with the other hand so the motion stays targeted at the ankle joint itself and not the midfoot or subtalar joints.

Using a web space over the talus offers less stable control and can misdirect the force; a palm on the plantar surface provides poor leverage for a precise anterior glide; and placing fingers around the navicular would target the midfoot, not the talocrural joint. Wrapping around the calcaneus thus best facilitates the intended anterior glide at the ankle joint.