TAPROOT: Equinus Foot and Ankle

Individuals seeking physical therapy frequently have altered bone, joint, or muscle formation. These changes can happen as a result of an issue during development or because of trauma. One potential result is called, somewhat unflatteringly, a “foot deformity.” Foot deformities can range in severity from an unusually flat arch to an amputated toe. One foot deformity, also involving the ankle, is termed an equinovarus foot and ankle. Equinovarus feet can be seen in individuals with neuromuscular disease (such as cerebral palsy) but are also seen in infants with clubfoot. The root “equin” derives from Latin equinus or equ(us) which means horse. Because the ankle points in a downward fashion in an equinovarus foot deformity, it was thought to resemble a horse’s hoof.