Foot
When instructing an athlete on proper foot hygiene, what 2 things should you tell them?
Change socks (clean) daily
What causes a blister and how is it treated?
shearing forces (causing fluid to form between the outer layers of skin)
Cover area with friction-proofing material or adhesive bandage, or apply a donut around the blister
May need to puncture if pressure is causing excessive pain but must take steps to limit contamination
What is it called when a person has the sensation that their ankle is unstable as a result of recurrent sprains?
Functional instability
This test is done to determine if there is a rupture of the Achilles tendon. What is the name of the test and how is it performed?
Thompson test
squeezing the calf muscle while the leg is extended and foot hanging off the table (should cause heel to move)
What are 2 treatments for a ruptured Achilles tendon?
Surgical repair of the tendon
Casting to immobilize in a plantar flexion position.
What are the steps to treating a metatarsal fracture?
(Treatment is symptomatic)
1. POLICE to control swelling
2. Once swelling has improved, short walking cast for 3-6 weeks
3. May usually start to ambulate by the second week.
4. Surgery may be necessary if it is a displaced fracture.
What is the treatment for a phalangeal dislocation and who should perform this procedure?
Reduction of the joint done by a physician (PCP)
Explain a grade 3 ankle sprain and the treatment plan.
Grade 3 involves total rupture of the ligament and results in gross instability of the joint.
Treatment: POLICE, must be immobilized for several weeks and may require surgical repair
What treatment should be done immediately if a tibial and/or fibular fracture is suspected. (3 of the 4)
Splinting/immobilizing
ice
medical referral
limit weight bearing
Explain what is meant by POLICE
protection
optimal loading
ice
compression
elevation
Athletes may be predisposed to foot injuries because of muscle or tendon tightness, weakness, or hypermobility. How can this be remedied (help prevent injury)? Name 2 of the 3
exercising
using orthotics
proper footwear
What is a callus and how can it be prevented on the foot?
Fatty layer of the foot loses its elasticity and cushioning effect due to rubbing of shoes that are too narrow or short.
Wear socks
Wear shoes that fit well and are in good condition
Apply lubricant to reduce friction
What are the three types (not grades) of ankle sprains and which is the most common? Which is the most difficult to treat?
Inversion (most common)
Eversion
High Ankle (most difficult)
Make 2 of the 3 causes given for stress fractures in the tibia and/or fibula
repetitive loading (jumping)
incorrect or poor footwear
faulty ankle biomechanics
What are 3 of the 5 methods (described in the book) to reduce lower-leg and ankle injuries?
Achilles tendon stretching
Strengthening key muscles
Improving neuromuscular control
choosing appropriate footwear
Proper bracing/taping
What are the 2 functions of the foot?
Absorb force
Act as a stable base of support
Single: often buddy-tape to the next toe using adhesive tape
Multiple: often requires casting
Healing usually takes 3-4 weeks
What are three symptoms of ankle fractures? What are of the bone do they typically occur?
Immediate swelling
point tenderness over the bone
difficulty bearing weight
Malleoli (medial or lateral malleolus)
What are 3 of the 5 causes given for shin splints (Medial tibial stress syndrome).
Faulty foot mechanics
tight Achilles tendon
weak muscles
improper shoes
training errors
What is tendinosis and name 4 steps in the care of this condition.
Tendinosis: chronic condition due to degeneration of a tendon (tendinitis that was not treated properly)
rest
ice
anti-inflammatory medication
orthotics to prevent correct biomechanics
taping to reduce stress on tendons
remove cause of irritation until healed (typically 10-14 days)
This is often caused by inflexibility in the medial longitudinal arch, wearing shoes without sufficient arch support, or running on a soft surface. There is pain in the anterior medial heel. What is this condition called and name 3 ways it may be treated.
Plantar fasciitis
vigorous stretching of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
Use of night splints
Using a heel cup
Arch taping
Orthotic therapy
This is a hyperextension injury that results in a sprain of the great toe. What is this called, how is it treated, and what is the goal of treatment?
Turf toe
flat insoles with sheets of steal under the forefoot
increase rigidity of forefoot area of shoe
taping of the great toe
Goal: prevent dorsiflexion of the toe
Name 5 steps in the typical treatment plan of a sprained ankle.
Try to limit swelling (POLICE)
Horseshoe pad for focal compression of injured area
Wet compress wrap to facilitate the passage of cold
Apply ice for 20 minutes and repeat every hour for 24 hours
Continue to apply ice over 72 hours
Keep foot elevated a min. of 45 degrees (while icing)
Avoid weight bearing for 24 hours (crutches) minimum
Begin weight bearing as tolerated (depends on grade)
Name 3 symptoms of compartment syndrome and the treatment for this syndrome.
deep aching pain, tightness, cramping, weakness, paresthesia
Reduced circulation and sensory changes in the foot
Ice and elevation, refer to a medical provider
What muscle is strained when a person has shin splints and explain specifically where the pain is located (medical terms)
Posterior tibialis muscle
distal two-thirds of the posterior medial aspect of the tibia.