What Is Equinus Foot Deformity?
Equinus is a condition characterized by limited upward bending motion (dorsiflexion) at the ankle joint. Caused by tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles (gastrocnemius/soleus), the foot remains pointed downward, forcing the individual to compensate by walking on their toes or overpronating, which creates high pressure on the ball of the foot.
Common Symptoms
Inability to flex the foot upward past a 90-degree angle to the leg · Walking on toes or early heel pickup during stepping · Severe forefoot pain, metatarsalgia, or deep forefoot calluses · Associated plantar fasciitis, arch collapse, or Achilles tendon strain · Flattening of the arch during mid-stance as the foot compensates for ankle tightness
Our Treatment Approach
Ankle joint range-of-motion measurement (Silfverskiöld test) → physical therapy & calf muscle eccentric stretching programs → specialized night splints to hold the ankle in dorsiflexion → custom orthotics with heel lifts to relieve tendon strain → minimally invasive Achilles tendon lengthening (TAL) for severe rigid tightness.
