Ankle Equinus Contracture Treated With Dynamic Splinting

Ankle Equinus Contracture Treated With Dynamic Splinting in a Randomized, Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Ankle Dorsiflexion Dynasplint System (DS) is effective in treating contracture for patients with Ankle Equinus secondary to diabetes mellitus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous Diagnosis Diabetes Mellitus
• Reduced flexibility in AROM of extension in the ankle
• Less than 10º Maximal, Active Dorsiflexion, while upright
• Impaired gait pattern

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous surgical treatment for this pathology
• Previous surgery of the Achilles tendon or triceps surae
• Current treatment with corticosteroids
• Current treatment with Botulinium Toxin-A (Botox), lower extremity
• Current treatment Fluoroquinolones (antibiotic medication)
• Current use of muscle relaxant medications
• Fibromyalgia
• Stroke, CVA, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, or any neural pathology causing plasticity or hypertonicity
• Current participation in manual, physical therapy
• Treatment with electrical stimulation assisting ambulation (i.e. Bioness, WalkAide, Parastep, etc.)
• Preexisting open sores on foot or leg