J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2021 Jun;25(2):55-60. 10.14193/jkfas.2021.25.2.55.

Does Achilles Tendon Shortening Mean Pathologic Lesions?

• Won SH
• Chun DI

• KMID: 2516640
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2021.25.2.55

Abstract

This review article attempts to describe several pathological conditions that can arise from the shortening of the Achilles tendon. The tension and tightening of the gastrocnemius-soleus-Achilles tendon complex (GSAC) can cause disharmony in the movement of the entire foot as well as the ankle joint when subjected to weight-bearing or walking. In addition, since these phenomena are observed in various lesions of the ankle joint, the dynamic shortening caused by the tension of GSAC may not be the primary cause of various ankle joint lesions, but is still considered to be a significant contributing factor.

Keyword

Achilles tendon; Plantar fasciitis; Flatfoot; Equinus deformity; Hallux valgus

Figure

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  Figure. 1 Plantar fascia is connected to the proximal part through the periosteum of the calcaneus, and is connected to the peritendinous tissue of the Achilles tendon.

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  Figure. 2 Dynamic real-time fluoroscopic image of foot is taken during heel strike (A), foot flat (B), mid-stance (C), heel off (D), and toe off (E) phase.

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  Figure. 3 Achilles tendon tightness leads to midfoot destruction by increasing body moment on mid foot structure, while hindfoot destruction leads to tightness on triceps surae by midfoot flattening and hindfoot eversion. And these processes induce pathologic changes such as Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, flatfoot, and midfoot arthropathy.

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