Clinical trials

The gastrocnemius muscles, which form the upper part of the calf, can suffer from retraction, a common but often under-diagnosed condition, which can be a risk factor for plantar fasciitis. Retraction can be treated medically, by stretching, or surgically, by lengthening the muscles. Gastrocnemius retraction is difficult to measure, but tests such as the Ankle Dorsiflexion Index (ADI) provide a more accurate assessment. Knowing the prevalence of this retraction in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis would enable us to improve diagnostic criteria and better target treatments. Surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius, particularly by tenotomy, is effective in cases of chronic plantar fasciitis, even without apparent muscle retraction.