Objectives: Reduced strength and girth in thigh muscles
such as the quadriceps and the hamstrings have been
observedinpatientswithkneeosteoarthritis(OA).However,
studies on the characteristics of calfmuscles in these patients
are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the girth, strength,
and flexibility of the calf muscle of patients with kneeOA.
Methods: In this caseecontrol study, we recruited 15 patients
with knee OA and 15 healthy control participants. The
girth, strength, and flexibility of the calf muscle were evaluated
in one session using a flexible non-elastic tape measure
(centimetre), a handheld dynamometer (Newton), and a
standard goniometer (degree) to measure ankle dorsiflexion.
Results: Strength of the calf muscle strength was significantly
lower in the patients with kneeOAcomapred with the
control group (
42.03; 95%CI:
73.9,
10.1; p¼.012).No
significant differences in calf muscle girth (.27; 95% CI:

2.63,3.16;p¼.852)orflexibility(
1.93;95%CI:
4.8, .93;
p ¼ .177) were found between the two groups.
Conclusion: In our study, patients with knee OA
demonstrated reduced calf muscle strength. We recommend
that the management of patients with knee OA
include strengthening the calf muscles.