1. @KhaledurSchool (Twitter)
Reference: http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/Equinus.htm
Accessed October 2014.
Equinus
Disclaimer:
The content provided is not meant to be a substitute for professional advice and is not to be used for
medical diagnosis and / or medical treatment. I will not be held liable for misuse of this PDF for this
purpose.
Every effort has been made to make the content of this PDF accurate and error free. I will not be held
liable for any inaccuracies that may arise or develop as new treatments/guidelines become available.
What is Equinus?
Equinus is the inability to dorsiflex the ankle. This is due to tightening of the Achilles tendon or
soleus/gastrocnemius muscle.
Impact on patients
Patients can compensate for this deficiency by lifting their heel up early. They may walk on their
toes. They may even bend their knees or hips to compensate.
Aetiology
Equinus can be caused by
 Diabetes.
 Wearing a cast
 Using crutches
 Wearing high heels.
 When a patient has a shorter limb
 If the patient has spasms in their muscles due to a neurological disorder.
 A bone is blocking the movement.
 May also be congenital/inherited.
Secondary problems
Equinus can cause secondary foot problems which is usually the reason why the patient presents to
the doctor often unaware of their Equinus problem.
Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis can be achieved by flexing and extending the knee whilst checking range of
movement in the ankle at each position of the knee. X rays can be order to rule out a bony cause.
Also suspicion of spasms can be referred to neurologist.

2. @KhaledurSchool (Twitter)
Reference: http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/Equinus.htm
Accessed October 2014.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment involves physiotherapy, wearing a night splint (in the night – obviously!),
wearing a heel lift or wearing an orthotic device.
Surgery
The doctor may decide to operate to correct the problem.
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