Ankle and Foot Injuries and Special Test

Question 1

What is an achilles tendon tear?

Answer 1

Partial or complete tear (rupture) of achilles tendon

Question 2

Ssx of Achilles Tendon Tear

Answer 2

Pop sound when injured
Inability to use or weakness of triceps surae muscle group (calf muscle)
Varying pain levels
Swelling
Stiffness

Question 3

What is achilles tendinopathies?

Answer 3

Mid or insertional.
Normally chronic injuries from overuse, suboptimal footwear or surfaces, tightness of triceps surae (calf muscle).
Insertional tendinopathy typically caused by compression.

Question 4

Ssx of Achilles Tendinopathies

Answer 4

Varying pain levels
Swelling
Stiffness
Thickening of tendon (especially for insertional)
Decreased strength and ROM

Question 5

Assessments for Achilles Tendon Tear

Answer 5

Thompson’s test

Question 6

Thompson’s Test

Answer 6

Positive = no plantarflexion
Indicates achilles tendon rupture.

Question 7

What are ankle ligament sprains?

Answer 7

Inversion (lateral) and eversion (medial) sprains.
Grade 1-3
Most common ATFL and CFL (lateral side) because there are more bony structures on medial side, more ligaments on medial side, and peroneal muscle also prevents eversion/medial sprains.
-peroneal muscles can be affected by inversion/lateral sprains.

Question 8

Ssx of Ankle Ligament Sprains

Answer 8

Depends on severity.
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Decreased strength and ROM
Inability to weight bear.

Question 9

Assessment of Ankle Ligament Sprains

Answer 9

Anterior Drawer Test
Talar Tilt Test

Question 10

Talar Tilt Test

Answer 10

Positive = increased laxity in inversion, pain
Indicates possible CFL and maybe ATFL injury

Question 11

Anterior Drawer Test

Answer 11

Positive = increased anterior translation of ankle
Indicates possible ATFL injury