Equinus occurs when the Achilles tendon is shorter than it should be, leading an individual to be unable to flex the top foot upward toward the leg. Individuals with Equinus find ways to compensate for their limited range of motion, which can lead to pressure on the knees and lower back pain. Equinus can often be caused by:
- Tightness in the Achilles tendon
- Hammer toe
- Uneven leg length
- Wearing high heels
- Ankle injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
Equinus can cause a variety of foot problems, including:
- Flatfoot
- Ankle pain
- Shin splints
- Tendonitis
- Calf cramping
Treatments may include splints, heel lifts, orthotics, physical therapy, and stretching. Surgery may be necessary in rare cases.
