title: Gastrocnemius shortening and heel pain.
abstract: Pain and reduced function caused by disorders of either the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon are common. Although heel pain is not a major public health problem it affects millions of people each year. For most patients, time and first-line treatments allow symptoms to resolve. A proportion of patients have resistant symptoms. Managing these recalcitrant cases is a challenge. Gastrocnemius contracture produces increased strain in both the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. This biomechanical feature must be properly assessed otherwise treatment is compromised.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5XX, UK; University of Surrey, Guildford, UK; Surrey Foot and Ankle Clinic, Guildford, UK; London Foot and Ankle Centre, London, UK. Electronic address: matthewsolan1@aol.com.
authors.forename: Matthew C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Solan
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5XX, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carne
authors.affiliation: London Foot and Ankle Centre, London, UK.
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003286:Contracture / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005530:Foot Deformities / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006365:Heel; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*
keywords: Contracture; Gastrocnemius; Heel pain; Shortening