What nerve is tested in the Achilles reflex?

What nerve is tested in the Achilles reflex?

Innervation and Reflex Arc 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.

What nerve Innervates the Achilles reflex?

The Achilles tendon is innervated by nerves of the muscles from which it is formed and cutaneous nerves. the sural nerve particularly plays a major role in its innervation with a smaller supply from the tibial nerve.

How do you assess for Achilles reflex?

How to Assess the Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex

1. Find the achilles tendon.
2. Locate the heel of the foot and dorsiflex the foot. The achilles is found right above the heel.
3. Now have the patient dangle the foot while you dorsiflex it.
4. While the foot is dorsiflex, tap with the reflex hammer briskly on the achilles tendon.

How are reflexes graded?

By convention the deep tendon reflexes are graded as follows: 0 = no response; always abnormal. 1+ = a slight but definitely present response; may or may not be normal. 2+ = a brisk response; normal.

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 Achilles reflex is a form of stretch reflex in which the foot jerks towards its plantar surface when the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsiflexed. It is also applied in neurologic tests to examine the nerve status and the gastrocnemius muscle.

Why is Achilles reflex important in walking?

In particular, the Achilles tendon is a long tendon that is important for storing and releasing elastic energy during walking, and as such, plays an important role in metabolic energy saving, as it actually “spares” the muscle from performing a large part of the work (3).

How to assess the Achilles deep tendon reflex?

How to Assess the Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex 1 Find the achilles tendon. 2 Locate the heel of the foot and dorsiflex the foot. The achilles is found right above the heel. 3 Now have the patient dangle the foot while you dorsiflex it. 4 While the foot is dorsiflex, tap with the reflex hammer briskly on the achilles tendon. More

Where are the nerve roots of the Achilles tendon?

The Achilles tendon is innervated primarily by the S1 and S2 nerve roots of the Tibial nerve. The Achilles tendon reflex is a stretch reflex, which refers to the involuntary contraction of a muscle in response to passive stretching.

What are the different types of deep tendon reflexes?

Reflex Exam (Deep Tendon Reflexes) 1 Root Level. 2 Corneal reflex (blink reflex). 3 Abdominal reflex. 4 Cremaster reflex. 5 Plantar reflex. 6 (more items)

What causes the Achilles reflex to be delayed?

The Achilles reflex checks if the S 1 and S 2 nerve roots are intact and could be indicative of sciatic nerve pathology. It is classically delayed in hypothyroidism.