Week 4 Task Sheet - The foot and ankle

Question 1

How does the Achilles Tendon form?

Answer 1

Gastroc and Soleus combine to form triceps surae

Form the tendocalcaneous - winds 90 degrees to insert onto the calcaneous

Question 2

What makes up the medial longitudinal arch?

Answer 2

Calcaneous 
Talus
Navicular 
Cuneforms 
Medial 3 metatarsals

Question 3

What makes up the lateral longitudinal arch?

Answer 3

Calcaneous
Cuboid
4th & 5th metatarsals

Question 4

What makes up the transverse arch?

Answer 4

Metatarsals
Cuboid
Cuneforms

Question 5

What is the role of the arches of the foot? (5)

Answer 5

• Protection of blood vessels and lymph from the pressure of bones when standing
• Support body weight
• Absorb forces when walking and running
• Adapt to uneven surfaces
• Provide spring and lift

Question 6

What is the plantar fascia? What is its function?

Answer 6

Thickening of the fascia on the base of the foot

• Stabilises the longitudinal and transverse arches
• Prevents the calcaneous from everting during walking
• Provides traction during walking

Question 7

What is the windlass mechanism?

Answer 7

Plantar fascia acts as a cable between calcaneous and metatarsophalengal joints

• During propulsive gait, plantar fascia winds around the head of the metatarsals - shortens the distance between the metatarsal heads and the calcaneous –> elevates medial archs and prevents the foot from collapsing

Question 8

What are the risk factors for plantar fasciitis? (9)

Answer 8

• Excessive foot pronation
• High arches
• Weak plantar flexor muscles (intrinsic muscles of the foot)
• Running – forces the plantar fascia to stretch and contract – can result In microtears
• Prorogued standing or walking – put excessive strain on the plantar fascia
• Sedentary life style – can cause shortening and stiffness of the plantar fascia
• Tight Achilles tendon – reduces dorsiflexion – reduces stretch on plantar fascia
• Obesity
• Increased age – reduced flexibility

Question 9

What is a grade I muscle tear?

Answer 9

DOMS - limited number of fibres torn with no decrease in strength or aROM or pROM

Question 10

What is a grade II muscle tear?

Answer 10

Nearly 1/2 of fibres torn - acute and significant pain with swelling and a minor decrease in muscle strength

Question 11

What is a grade III muscle tear?

Answer 11

Complete rupture of the muscle - tendon is separated from muscle belly or muscle belly into two parts - severe pain and swelling, complete loss of function