Foot and Ankle Dysfunction in the Ageing Population Flashcards
How many people does foot and ankle dysfunction affect?
1 in 5 consider it to be the primary cause of their inability to leave their home.
What are the four most common foot and ankle pathologies in elderly adults?
- Any lesser-toe deformity
- Hammer toe
- Mallet toe
- Bunion
What changes cause foot and ankle pathologies in elderly adults?
- Increased plantar soft tissue stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Decreased strength
- Less efficient propulsion when walking
Who are most at risk of developing tibialis posterior dysfunction?
Women over the age of 40
What subjective symptoms might be reported with tibialis posterior dysfunction?
- Pain and swelling of the medial hindfoot
- Change in shape of the foot/flattening of arch
How can tibialis posterior dysfunction be managed conservatively?
- NSAIDs
- Rest
- Immobilisation for acute inflammation
- Orthoses for chronic symptoms
What structurally occurs with tibialis posterior dysfunction?
- Development of a valgus heel (heel laterally rotates)
- Flattened longitudinal arch
- Abducted forefoot
What surgical interventions can be used in the treatment of tibialis posterior dysfunction?
- Hindfoot osteotomy +/- tendon transfer
- Arthrodesis of the hindfoot
What did Valderrabano et al find was the main cause of ankle OA?
Lateral ankle sprains
What influences the latency time between injury and the onset of osteoarthritis in the ankle?
The type and side of the injured ligaments.
What interventions are used after an ankle ligament sprain?
- Joint mobilisations
- Extrinsic and calf raises
- Intrinsic foot strength
- Proprioception
What does PAD stand for?
Peripheral artery disease
What intervention strategy can be used with patients with peripheral artery disease?
Intermittent walking to near maximal claudication pain, three times per week. Start at 15 mins, progressing up to 40 mins after 6 months. Patient reaches 3/4 (intense) pain during each session.
