Calf Tightness and Forefoot Overload

Calf tightness is a condition whereby the patient is unable to easily bring the foot up fully which leads to various problems in the foot including excessive pressure on the front of the foot. This is termed forefoot overload.

What are the symptoms of Calf Tightness and Forefoot overload?

Achilles tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, diabetic ulcers, Morton’s neuromas, pes planus, pes cavus, hallux rigidus, hallux valgus and Freiberg’s infraction can all be exacerbated by tightness in the calf muscle. These conditions are discussed separately in this section.

How is Calf Tightness and Forefoot overload diagnosed?

Expert clinical examination is the key to diagnosis. A tight calf-tendon complex can be demonstrated through the Silfverskiold test. This test compares the ability to dorsiflex the ankle with the knee extended or when the knee is flexed. In inflexion, the calf is relaxed and in extension, it is stretched. Any difference between the amounts of dorsiflexion attained is due to the calf muscle.

How is Calf Tightness and Forefoot overload treated?

A dedicated calf stretching course of physiotherapy along with general strength and conditioning has an excellent outcome and no further treatment may be required. If the patient fails to improve the tightness in the calf then a Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Release can be performed to allow further improvement with calf stretching. This is a local anaesthetic procedure that requires only a small incision just behind the knee. Risks are low and outcomes have been shown to be excellent in over 80% of patients.

Our Specialists

LEADING FOOT + ANKLE CARE

Our team have broad experience in the successful treatment of a range of foot and ankle problems, addressing both young and sports related injuries as well as those relating to trauma, disease process and genetics.

 

Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of foot and ankle problems utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here.

MR Tim Sinnett

MR Tim Sinnett

CONSULTANT FOOT + ANKLE SURGEON

MR Mike Willamson

MR Mike Willamson

CONSULTANT FOOT + ANKLE SURGEON