The purpose of this article is to review the functional biomechanics of the ankle foot complex. In addition, assessment and orthotic design implications for individuals in the many diagnostic groups who present with limited talocrural dorsiflexion secondary to soft-tissue limitations will be discussed. Adequate ankle dorsiflexion is necessary for many functional activities, especially walking. When range is unavailable, compensatory strategies are used. A common compensation to supplement limited ankle motion is to utilize midtarsal joint dorsiflexion that occurs in conjunction with subtalar joint pronation. Orthotic management of heelcord tightness falls into three general categories: (1) passive splints for stretching; (2) ankle foot orthoses to improve mobility; and (3) orthoses to decrease pain secondary to chronic excessive subtalar joint pronation. Specific design features can be built into the orthotic devices used in all of these categories. These features can improve the device’s effectiveness in preventing compensatory midfoot dorsiflexion and thereby targeting stretching forces to the talocrural joint. Talocrural joint motion can be increased or maintained through use of the device in this manner. The features that should be considered when utilizing an orthotic device for this purpose include contouring of the foot piece, control of distal and proximal pronatory forces, and ankle mobility.