Equinus is a condition where the upward bending movement of the ankle joint is limited. An individual with equinus has poor flexibility in bringing the top of the foot toward the front of the leg.
The condition can develop in one or both feet. Once both feet are affected, the limited motion is oftentimes worse in one foot than the other. Individuals with equinus have ways to balance the reduced ankle motion and it often leads to other foot, leg or back issues.
The usual means of compensation generally include leveling of the arch or raising the heel prematurely while walking which places increased strain on the ball of the foot. In some cases, others compensate by “toe walking” while some take steps by bending irregularly at the knee or hip.
What are the causes?
There are various possible causes for the reduced range of ankle movement.
- Oftentimes, it is due to tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles.
- In some cases, the tightness is congenital or present at birth and sometimes as an inherited trait
- Being under a cast or crutches
- Frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes
- Diabetes can affect the Achilles tendon fibers and result to tightness
- Presence of bone that blocks ankle motion due to a fragment of bone after an ankle injury
- Having one leg that is shorter than the other
- In uncommon cases, it is due to spasms in the calf muscle
Common foot conditions linked to equinus
Depending on how the individual compensates for inability to flex properly at the ankle, various foot issues can develop such as:
- Calf cramps
- Plantar fasciitis
- Flatfoot
- Metatarsalgia
- Tendonitis
- Ankle pain
- Shin splints
- Pressure sores on the arch or ball of the foot
- Midfoot arthritis
- Bunions and hammertoes
Management
The treatment for equinus involves measures aimed on alleviating the symptoms and associated symptoms. Additionally, the individual is also treated for equinus with one or several of the following measures:
- Heel lifts – heel lifts are placed within shoes or wearing footwear with moderate heel helps relieve the strain from the Achilles tendon while walking and helps minimize the symptoms.
- Night splint – the foot is placed in a splint at night time to keep it in a position where the tightness of the calf muscle is reduced
- Arch supports or orthotic devices – these are fitted into the shoes to keep the weight distributed evenly as well as help control muscle and tendon imbalances
- Physical therapy – exercise regimens that involve stretching of the calf muscle is suggested to alleviate the muscle tightness
Is surgery required?
In some instances, surgery might be required to fix the cause of equinus if linked to a tightened tendon or bone that blocks ankle movement. The doctor will determine the ideal procedure suited to the case of the individual.