The Achilles tendon is one of the most important structures in the human body, enabling movement at the ankle joint. A short or tight Achilles tendon often goes unnoticed, but there is a simple test to identify it. Try squatting all the way down without lifting your feet off the floor. If you lose your balance or your heels stay off the ground, this may indicate a short Achilles tendon.

When the tendon is shortened, it prevents the ankle from bending fully. The body's biomechanics are such that it seeks alternative ways to compensate for this lack of movement. As a result, the body is forced to tilt the foot inwards, which is known medically as pronation. This compensatory mechanism becomes the basis for subsequent problems in the foot and lower limbs.

The inward tilt of the foot causes a chain reaction. Incorrect loading often leads to flat feet and valgus deformity, as well as pain in the lower legs and knees. In children, a short tendon often manifests as toe walking, a sign that warrants attention. Leaving the tendon in a tight state is not advisable.

Ortho Foot offers patients a comprehensive biomechanical assessment and baropodometry using SensorMedica equipment. Accurate diagnostics help us objectively assess the forces acting on the foot and the condition of the ankle joint. A management plan is then tailored to each individual using modern technologies.