| Abstract |
Until recently, attention to the gastrocnemius as a primary
etiology in the foot and ankle has been sparse and not well
understood. According to Amis (2014) vast of evidence have
supported the association of gastrocnemius and several foot
and ankle conditions or problems. Amis (2014) claimed that
the progressive gastrocnemius tightness perhaps occurs due
to (1) the general decreased activities as people aged or an
abrupt reduction of activity due to bed rest (2) physiologic
changes that take place with aging in which the elastacin in
connective tissues reduces lowering the flexibility of muscles
and tendons, (3) genetic factor in which some people
experience muscle tightness more than others.
The silent gastrocnemius contracture seems like has little to
do with the foot and ankle however can gradually do so much
harm when left undetected and unattended (Nutt, 1913).
Therefore, the conservative calf stretch regiment was
addressed as one of the effective treatments apart from
surgical lengthening procedure.
In order to prevent and reversing the early effect of the
gastrocnemius tightness, the ultimate goal is to get the calf
stretched. However, due to time constrains and awareness,
study conducted among Malaysian women (mean age of 29.4
years old) shown that 68.4% of them acquired foot pain
(Chua, Tan, Yahya & Saw, 2013).
To deal with the problems above, Gastrocnemius Stretcher
aimed to make ‘the stretch” easiest. It is a convenience
product that can be place on the floor while user may sit on a
chair relaxing at home or even working in the office. When the
user placed their foot on the product, it will promote
dorsiflexion of the foot in which allows the calf to lengthening
or stretch. The angle of dorsiflexion is adjustable; the user
may adjust the angle to suit their flexibility and allows for the
principle of progression. It is a great especially for the ladies
who wear high heels (plantar flexion of the foot involved the
shortening of the calf muscles. |