involves multiple abnormalities of the foot. Equinus refers to the downard deflection of the ankle, and is named for the walking on the toes in the manner of a horse. This does not occur because it is accompanied by an inward rotation of the foot (varus deformity), which untreated, results in walking on the sides of the feet. Treatment may involve manipulation and casting or surgery. Ankle joint equinus, normally in adults, relates to restricted ankle joint range of motion(ROM). Calf muscle stretching exercises are normally helpful to increase the ankle joint dorsiflexion and used to manage clinical symptoms resulting from ankle equinus. Occasionally a human ankle has a ball-and-socket ankle joint and fusion of the talo-navicular joint. History The word ankle or ancle is common, in various forms, to Germanic languages, probably connected in origin with the Latin , or Greek , meaning bent. Other animals Evolution It has been suggested that dexterous control of toes has been lost in favour of a more precise voluntary control of the ankle joint. See also Foot Leg Footnotes References Additional images External links Foot Ankle Lower limb anatomy