Sometimes calf tightness does not respond to stretches/physiotherapy. If the calf tightness is causing problems, then your surgeon may recommend that you consider an operation to lengthen one or more of the muscles/tendons in the calf.
Many foot problems can be related to the tightness of the calf muscles or Achilles tendon and often a calf lengthening operation is included as part of more extensive surgery. The choice of surgery depends on the type and severity of the problem. A medial head of gastrocnemius release (MHGR) is often performed for heel pain that is not responding to other treatments (Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis).
A gastrocnemius/soleus lengthening is often used when hind-foot deformities are associated with calf tightness. An Achilles tendon lengthening is usually used when there is a severe deformity