Equinus is the condition in which there is a limited range of motion of the ankle joint.
Equinus of the foot, also known as equinus deformity, is a condition characterized by limited ankle joint flexibility that prevents the foot from being able to dorsiflex fully. Dorsiflexion is the movement that brings the top of the foot toward the shin. In individuals with equinus, the ankle joint is unable to achieve the normal range of motion during dorsiflexion, resulting in a restricted or downward-pointing position of the foot.
Equinus deformity can be classified as either structural or functional. Structural equinus is caused by anatomical abnormalities in the bones, muscles, or tendons of the foot and ankle. Functional equinus, on the other hand, is typically the result of tightness or contracture in the calf muscles, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.
Equinus of the foot can lead to various complications and symptoms, such as difficulty walking, altered gait pattern, foot and ankle pain, increased pressure on the forefoot during walking or running, and increased risk of developing foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or foot ulcers in individuals with diabetes.
Treatment for equinus of the foot may include a combination of non-surgical and surgical approaches. Non-surgical treatments typically involve stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices such as heel lifts or ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), and footwear modifications. In cases where conservative measures are ineffective, surgical procedures like tendon lengthening or gastrocnemius recession may be considered.