I Have Horse Feet?
Your doctor just informed you that you have equinus. I bet you didnt know people could have horse feet. Does this mean that you can contend for the Triple Crown? Only if you dont mind having a tiny person sit on your back and whip you from time to time.
All joking aside, you do not have horse feet. Equinus refers to a decreased amount of motion in your ankle joint that leaves your foot in a plantar flexed position.
Is this a negative thing? Not always, but it can lead to OR worsen some common problems of the foot and ankle. There are two main types of equinus: Gastroc and Gastrosoleal.
- Gastroc Equinus mainly due to a tight gastrocnemius muscle
- Gastrosoleal Equinus due to a tight gastrocnemius AND soleus
- NOTE: These two muscles make up your Achilles tendon
Complications of Equinus
Equinus usually isnt an isolated condition. It is often seen in association with other conditions. Problems arise from the compensatory actions your foot undertakes in order to achieve the amount of dorsiflexion needed while you walk. Types of foot problems that may be caused or adversely affected by equinus:
- Hammer toes
- Bunions
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
- Flat Feet
- AND MORE
How do you treat this condition?
- You can try conservative measures such as physical therapy with an emphasis on stretching.
- Custom Orthotics can be used to help against over compensation.
- Surgery: to lengthen the Achilles tendon OR just a portion of the gastrocnemius
If you have been diagnosed with equinus or have any other foot/ankle related problems, please contact Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886 or visit our website for more information.
Category: Ankle Pain
Tags: Equinus, Joint Movement