ankle and foot pain Flashcards
an achillles tendinopathy can occur at two locations, which two locations?
- insertional: at calcaneus
- non-insertional: occurs 4-5 cm proximal to calcaneus
what are s&s of Achilles tendinopathy?
pain in achilles
pain worse with activity
squeeking of ankle during plantarflexion
walking is more comfortable in high heels or open back shoes
ttp: achilles tendon
non-insertional: possible thickening of the tendon of palpation
insertional: possible bony protuberance on calcaneus
non-insertional: possible swelling of tendon
what is the treatment for achilles tendinopathy?
NSAIDs
gentle achilles stretching
foot and ankle mobilisation
ultrasound
myofascial release
immobilise
! injection is not indicated because corticosteroids might increase the risk for a tendon rupture!
what are s&s of an achilles rupture?
sudden, severe pain in the achilles
bruising and swelling in posterior calf to calcaneus
unable to bear weight
palpable defect in achilles tendon
+ve thompson (calf squeeze) test
what is a dancer’s/Jones fracture of the foot?
fracture of 5th metatarsal styloid process (peroneus tertius attachment)
what is a bedroom fracture of the foot?
fracture of the 5th proximal phalanx shaft
what is the mechanism of injury in a calcaneal fracture?
compression on loading through heel (ef fall from ladder onto heels)
high probability of associated Tx or Lx compression fracture
what is the most common site for stress fractures in the foot?
2nd and 3 rd metatarsals
what is the most common fracture in running athletes and what are the s&s?
navicular fracture
- pain on forefoot which may come on during or after activity
what is the cause of gout/pseudogout?
build up of uric acid crystals within the joint space
which joint is most commonly affected in gout?
1st MTP (great toe)
what are s&s of gout?
sudden onset
joint red hot and swollen
no systemic symptoms
what are risk factors for gout?
alcoholism
diuretics
poor hydration
high purine diet
what is hallux valgus deformity of the foot?
lateral displacement of the great toe (may predispose bunion formation) often caused by poor fitting shoes
what other condition can be associated with hallux valgus deformity?
pes planus (hyperpronation)
poor intrinsic muscle activation
what is metatarsalgia?
refers to pain and tenderness over the plantar head of the metarsals
what is morton’s neuroma?
a benign swelling of a nerve in the foot due to a degenerative process
what are the possible causes of morton’s neuroma?
prolonged compression (irritation causes oedema)
poor fitting shoes
pregnancy
trauma
RA
hyper pronation
prolonged crouched position
conditions alternating normal weight bearing in the foot
who is most at risk to develop morton’s neuroma?
female
<50
what are s&s of morton’s neuroma?
severe, burning pain between the 2nd and 4th toes (MC 3rd and 4th)
worse with weightbearing on hard surfaces, wearing tight shoes and activities causing toe extension
relieved by taking shoes of or massaging
localised tenderness over MT head
+ve morton’s neuroma test
what is the management for morton’s neuroma?
correctly fitting shoes
calf stretching exercises
orthotic pads
steroid injection or surgical decompression if no relief with conservative care