Common Ankle and foot conditions

Question 1

Achilles tendon rupture

Answer 1

MOI:
Pushing off with the WB forefoot with knee extended

S&S:
- Sudden and loud snap
- Subject unable to continue activity
- Bruising and swelling
- May have weak PF

ST:
Thomson squeeze test +

Question 2

Ankle sprains - LCL

Answer 2

MOI:
ATFL – PF + Inv
CFL – Neutral + Inv
PTFL – DF + Inv

S&S:
- Sudden onset
- Pain on lateral side
- < ROM overall
- Swelling: usually rapid. But can be delayed (on lateral side)

ST:
Haematoma/ swelling/ pain on palpation
Anterior drawer test +
Talar tilt test +

Question 3

Ankle sprains - MCL

Answer 3

MOI: Often due to direct (player) contact
Forceful eversion

S&S:
- Pain on medial side
- < ROM overall
- Swelling: usually rapid but can be delayed (on medial side)

ST:
Talar tilt Ev +

Question 4

Syndesmosis injury (High ankle sprain)

Answer 4

MOI: ER stress and DF of the foot which leads to a displacement of the fibula and tear in the syndesmosis

S&S::
- P° on palpation over TFL
- Bruising more proximal than LCL injuries
- Feeling of instability especially in WB

ST:
- Syndesmosis squeeze +
- Dorsiflexion ER test +

Question 5

Plantar fasciitis/ fasciopathy/ plantar heel pain

Answer 5

MOI:Overuse injury
Degenerative changes and deterioration of the collagen fibers. Usually caused by biomechanical factors

S&S:
- Windlass mechanism is affected ***
- Gradual onset of P°
- Pain localized close to the calcaneal inserti° of the fascia during WB
- P° during WB activities (standing)
- Morning stiffness and pain after long immobilization periods, < with movement

CA:
Palpat° of medial calcaneal tuberosity – P° or tenderness
- Windlass test +
- Flexibility/ ROM assess
- Lower limb alignment