Common Foot Problems Flashcards
What are the most common cause of posterior heel pain? [1]
Achilles tendon disorders
Which antibiotic class [and give an example] is associated with tendon disorders? [1]
quinolone use (e.g. ciprofloxacin) is associated with tendon disorders
The Achilles tendon connects which muscles [2] to which bone? [1]
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel (the calcaneus bone)
What are the two types of Achilles tendinopathy? [2]
Insertion tendinopathy (within 2cm of the insertion point on the calcaneus)
Mid-portion tendinopathy (2-6 cm above the insertion point)
The typical presentation of Achillese tendinopathy is with a gradual onset of..[5]
- Pain or aching in the Achilles tendon or heel, with activity
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Nodularity on palpation of the tendon
How do you differentiate Achilles tendinopathy from Achilles tendon rupture? [1]
Simmonds’ calf squeeze test:
- patient to lie prone with their feet over the edge of the bed
- feel for a gap in the tendon and gently squeeze the calf muscles if there is an acute rupture of the Achilles tendon the injured foot will stay in the neutral position when the calf is squeezed.
When should you suspect Achilles tendon rupture? [1]
How would you confirm this? [1]
- audible ‘pop’ in the ankle,
- sudden onset significant pain in the calf or ankle
- or the inability to walk or continue the sport.
Ultrasound is used to diagnose Achilles tendon rupture.
Where exactly does Achilles tendon rupture occur? [1]
rupture usually occurs 4-6 cm above the calcaneal insertion in hypovascular region
Treatment of Achilles tendinopathy (tendinitis)? [1]
Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture? [1]
Achilles tendinopathy (tendinitis):
- simple analgesia and reduction in precipitating activities.
Achilles tendon rupture
- An acute referral should be made to an orthopaedic specialist following a suspected rupture.
How would movement person be affected in a Achilles tendon rupture? [2]
Unable to stand on tiptoes on the affected leg alone
Weakness of plantar flexion of the ankle (dorsiflexion is unaffected)
What is the role of the plantar fascia? [1]
Which structures in the foot does it attach to? [2]
Plantar fascia (or aponeurosis) is a band of fibrous tissue that acts as a shock absorber providing stability within the foot and cushioning for force transmitted through the lower limbs.
Attache the calcaneus, travels along the sole of the foot and connects to the flexor tendons of the toes
What causes plantar fasciitis? [1]
Age: causes degenerative changes in the plantar fascia
Obesity
Foot biomechanics: high foot arch or flat feet can add additional strain
Tight achilles tendon
Prolonged standing or walking
Sudden increase in physical activity
Trauma
Describe the clinical presentation of plantar fasciitis
Inferior heel pain on pressure (100%).
- Usually worse on the first steps out of bed in the morning
- May ease on walking but worse with heavy activity or standing
- Tenderness to palpate
Describe a clinical test can perform to diagnose PF [1]
Positive ‘windlass test’ (sensitivity 31.8%, specificity 100%):
- if there is pain at the heel area when the toes are passively dorsiflexed (upwards)
Treatment for PF?
**Conservative management **(recommended on NICE CKS):
* Relative rest (by reduction in activities that worsen it)
* Foot orthotics - these can be over the counter and includes insoles, heel pads and arch supports or custom-made orthotics
* Stretches - of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia
* Ice - applied through a towel may provide short term symptomatic relief
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may provide short term pain relief
* Weight loss
Referral to a podiatrist or a physiotherapist is advisable. Orthopaedic referral for refractory plantar fasciitis may be considered for extracorporeal shock wave therapy or surgical release of the plantar fascia (NICE CKS).