Effect of Achilles Tendon Lengthening on Ankle Muscle Performance in People With Diabetes Mellitus and a Neuropathic Plantar Ulcer

29 patients with diabetes mellitus and neuropathic plantar ulcers were randomized either to undergo tendo-Achilles lengthening and total-contact casting or to total-contact casting alone to determine their effects on ankle muscle performance. The results of the study suggested that tendo-Achilles lengthening resulted in an improvement in ankle dorisflexion range of motion, a temporary decrease in concentric plantarflexor peak torque, and a passive torque at 0 degrees of dorsiflexion.