Foot and Ankle Assessment-Investigations and Tests

Original Editor - Rachael Lowe

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Purpose[edit | edit source]

Patients may present to the clinic with foot and ankle problems for a variety of reasons which may include pain, swelling, deformity, stiffness, instability and/or abnormal gait.[1]

Techniques[edit | edit source]

Investigations[edit | edit source]

  • Radiological Considerations: any previous radiographs or other medical imagingscans?
  • Other investigations: recent blood tests?

Special Tests[edit | edit source]


Objective[edit | edit source]

The objective examination provides quantifiable measures to rule out what structures are involved as well as to reassess after treatment to track progress/deterioration.


Functional Tests[edit | edit source]

  • Small knee bend
  • Sit to stand
  • Squat
  • Double heel raise
  • Jump
  • Single leg stand
  • Single knee bend
  • Single heel raise
  • Hop
  • Running

[2]

Movement Testing[edit | edit source]

  • Full AROM + overpressure to clear the lumbar spine, hip and knee
  • AROM + overpressure & PROM: ankle, subtalar joint, midfoot, forefoot and toes
  • Specific joint mobility: test each individual joint with a glide and compare to contralateral side and to normal values
  • Lower limb muscle strength and length: Specifically muscles of the calf, gluteal muscles, TFL and other hip flexors proximally
  • If involvement of the lumbar spine is suspected, perform passive intervertebral mobilizations (PA spinous processes & PA transverse processes)
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]

Special Tests[edit | edit source]

Special tests are utilized to prove or disprove the working hypothesis, as well as to identify dysfunctional structures/tissues. They include the following:  


[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]

Biomechanical Evaluation[edit | edit source]

A foot assessment can be used to classify foot type as well as to identify possible etiological factors relating to injury in order to properly prescribe therapeutic interventions.

Details can be found on the Biomechanical Assessment of the Foot and Ankle page.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Coughlin MJ, Saltzman CL, Anderson RB. Mann’s surgery of the foot and ankle. Amsterdam: Elsevier Saunders, 2014: 2186
  2. ↑ Kris Porter DPT. Movement Screen of the Lower Quarter. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6gkHR02rIM [last accessed 30/6/2021]
  3. ↑ Kris Porter DPT.Ankle Exam and Manual Therapy. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN55vtFJOgc [last accessed 30/6/2021]
  4. ↑ Kris Porter DPT. Sub-Talar Exam and Manual Therapy Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cRTUWlX-Tk [last accessed 30/6/2021]
  5. ↑ Kris Porter DPT.Mid-Foot (mid-tarsal) Examination. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv62Qhn7DN8 [last accessed 30/6/2021]
  6. ↑ Kris Porter DPT. Hallux (Great Toe) Examination (1st MTP) Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH5gZ3My5Q0[last accessed 30/6/2021]
  7. ↑ Kate Cornet.Windlass Test. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO0wREhjxH0&t=2s[last accessed 30/6/2021]
  8. ↑ Kate Cornet. Thompsons Test. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjwwWc1d5dg [last accessed 30/6/2021]
  9. ↑ Kate Cornet. Ankle Anterior Drawer. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkrKU7MI93c [last accessed 30/6/2021]
  10. ↑ Kate Cornet.Talar Tilt. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSvjmMMNGf0[last accessed 30/6/2021]
  11. ↑ Kate Cornet. Squeeze Test. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANIUAmCt5t8[last accessed 30/6/2021]
  12. ↑ Kate Cornet.Mortons Test. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyfLdQJ--PA [last accessed 30/6/2021]

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