The Achilles Tendon, Ankle Equinus, and Athletes.

Ankle equinus, with contracture of the Achilles tendon, could have a devastating effect on foot and ankle function and morphology in the long term if left unevaluated and untreated. The gastroc-soleus complex easily overpowers the other musculotendinous units and ligamentous constraints in the foot when pathologically tight. This can cause ulceration, midfoot breakdown, ankle pathology, and potential gait derangement (Fig. 24.1).1-20 With repetitive contact between the ground and the foot, any structure responsible for abnormal loading across the foot during the gait cycle, most often the Achilles tendon, hastens foot breakdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]