Estimating the Prevalence of GAstrocnemius Muscle REtraction in a Population Suffering From Plantar aPOneurositis and Describing the Effects of Lengthening

Estimating the Prevalence of GAstrocnemius Muscle REtraction in a Population Suffering From Plantar aPOneurositis and Describing the Effects of Lengthening

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient aged 70 or under
• Patient suffering from unilateral plantar fasciitis that has progressed for more than 6 months and is recalcitrant to medical treatment
• Collection of express, oral consent
• Available for follow-up visits

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with neuropathic pain
• History of fracture of the lower limb, surgery on the lower limb, inflammatory rheumatism of the lower limb, injury to the Achilles tendon
• Patient with another painful orthopedic lesion of the legs/feet
• Patient with surgically treated plantar fasciitis in the year prior to inclusion
• Persons unable to give consent
• Not affiliated to a social security scheme
• Persons under court protection
• Participant in another study with an ongoing exclusion period