The gastrocnemius: a new paradigm for the human foot and ankle.

Abstract

A silent gastrocnemius contracture can gradually do so much harm when left undetected and unattended. The calf is a common source of a majority of acquired, nontraumatic adult foot and ankle problems. When it comes to surgical lengthening procedures, whether at the Achilles, at the musculotendinous junction, or more proximal, the search must move on to find the safest, most accurate, and quickest recovery method possible. Addressing the calf contracture as definitive treatment and, better yet, as prevention will no doubt become a mainstay of the treatment of many foot and ankle problems.