Chapter 19: The Ankle and Lower Leg © 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Chapter 19: The Ankle and Lower Leg

© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Anatomy of the Lower Leg and Ankle

• Bones– Tibia: 2nd longest bone in the body, the

“shin” bone• Medial side, triangular in upper 2/3rds and

rounded and constricted in the lower third

– Fibula: Lateral aspect of lower leg• Proximal end is under the tibia• Distal end articulates with tibia as a

syndesmotic joint (bones are united by a ligament)

Figure 19-1© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Bones con’t

• Tibial and fibular malleoli: medial and lateral malleoli– Distal ends of the tibia and fibula– Lateral side is longer thus more stable

• Talus: Main weight bearing bone– Rests on the calcaneus and articulates with the

medial and lateral malleoli

• Calcaneus: Heel bone– Many ligament attachments of the ankle and

attachment of the achilles tendon


Figure 19-2

Articulations

• Superior and Inferior Tibiofibular Joint:– Superior: diarthrotic (sliding) joint, tibia’s lateral

condyle and head of fibula– Inferior: Lateral malleolus and distal end of the

tibia

• Talocrural Joint: Hinge joint aka the ankle mortise; dorsi and plantar flexion

• Subtalar Joint: Talus and clacaneus; inversion, eversion, pronation and supination

Stabilizing Ligaments

• Tibiofibular Ligament: – Strong interosseous membrane; helps diffuse the

forces on the lower leg– Distal sometimes referred as the Syndesmotic

ligaments• Lateral Ligaments: (Table 19-1)

– Anterior Talofibular– Posterior Talofibular– Calcaneofibular

• Medial Ligaments: Deltoid ligament– Resists eversion

TABLE 19-1

Function of Key Ankle LigamentsLigament Primary Function

Anterior talofibular Restrains anterior displacement of talus

Calcaneofibular Restrains inversion of calcaneus

Posterior talofibular

Restrains posterior displacement of talus

DeltoidPrevents abduction and eversion of ankle and subtalar joint

Prevents eversion, pronation, and anterior displacement of talus

Figure 19-3: Lateral


Figure 19-4: Medial


Joint Capsule

• Thin articular capsule that encases the joint and borders the bone

Ankle Musculature

• Movements include:– Dorsiflexion: muscles on the anterior side– Plantarflexion: muscles on the posterior

side– Inversion: muscle cross medially– Eversion: muscles cross laterally

Figure 19-5



Muscle Compartments• Anterior Compartment:

– Dorsiflex the ankle and extend the toes– Tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus and

extensor digitorum longus• Lateral Compartment:

– Evert the ankle and assist with dorsiflexion– Peroneus longus and brevis and Peroneus tertius

• Superficial Posterior Compartment:– Plantar flexion– Gastrocnemius and soleus

• Deep Posterior Compartment:– Invert the ankle– Tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus and

flexor hallucis longus

Figure 19-6


Nerve Supple

• Anteriorly: Common peroneal nerve

• Posterior: Tibial nerve

Blood Supply

• Arteries: Anterior tibial and posterior tibial

• Veins: Peroneal, Posterior tibial and Anterior Tibial

Functional Anatomy

• Ankle is a stable hinge joint

• Medial and lateral displacement is prevented by the malleoli

• Ligament arrangement limits inversion and eversion at the subtalar joint

• Square shape of talus adds to stability of the ankle

• Most stable during dorsiflexion, least stable in plantar flexion


• Degrees of motion for the ankle range from 10 degrees of dorsiflexion to 50 degrees of plantar flexion

• Normal gait requires 10 degrees of dorsiflexion and 20 degrees of plantar flexion with the knee fully extended

• Normal ankle function is dependent on action of the rear foot and subtalar joint

• Critical link in kinetic chain


Preventing Injury in the Lower Leg and Ankle

• Achilles Tendon Stretching– A tight heel cord may limit dorsiflexion and may

predispose individual to ankle injury

– Should routinely stretch before and after practice

– Stretching should be performed with knee extended and flexed 15-30 degrees

• Strength Training– Static and dynamic joint stability is critical in

preventing injury

– While maintaining normal ROM, muscles and tendons surrounding joint must be kept strong


• Neuromuscular Control Training– Can be enhanced

by training in controlled activities

– Uneven surfaces, BAPS boards, rocker boards, or Dynadiscs can also be utilized to challenge athlete

Figure 19-39© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

• Footwear– Can be an important factor in reducing

injury– Shoes should not be used in activities they

were not made for

• Preventive Taping and Orthoses– Tape can provide some prophylactic

protection– Improperly applied tape can disrupt normal

biomechanical function and cause injury– Lace-up braces have even been found to

be superior to taping relative to prevention


Assessing the Lower Leg and Ankle

• History– Past history– Mechanism of injury– When does it hurt?– Type of, quality of, duration of pain?– Sounds or feelings?– How long were you disabled?– Swelling?– Previous treatments?


• Observations- Bilateral– Postural deviations? (toe

in, pronation)– Genu valgum or varum?– Is there difficulty with

walking?– Deformities, asymmetries

or swelling?– Color and texture of skin,

heat, redness?– Patient in obvious pain?– Is range of motion normal?


Figure 19-9: Tibial Torsion

•Palpation: Bones and Soft Tissue

• Fibular head and shaft• Lateral malleolus• Tibial plateau• Tibial shaft• Medial malleolus• Dome of talus• Calcaneus• Sustentaculum tali

• Peroneus longus• Peroneus brevis• Peroneus tertius• Flexor digitorum

longus• Flexor hallucis• Posterior tibialis


•Palpation: Soft Tissue (continued)

• Anterior tibialis• Extensor hallucis

longus• Extensor digitorum

longus• Gastrocnemius• Soleus• Achilles tendon

• Anterior/posterior talofibular ligament

• Calcaneofibular ligament

• Deltoid ligament• Anterior tibiofibular

ligament• Posterior tibiofibular

ligament


Palpation Lab

• Special Test - Lower Leg

– Lower Leg Alignment Tests• Mal-alignment can reveal causes of abnormal

stresses applied to foot, ankle, lower leg, knees and hips

• Anteriorly, a straight line can be drawn from ASIS, through patella and between 1st and 2nd toes

• Laterally, a straight line can go from greater trochanter through center of patella and just behind the lateral malleolus

• Posteriorly, a line can be drawn through the center of the lower leg, midline to the Achilles and calcaneus

• Internal or external tibial torsion is also a common mal-alignment


– Percussion and compression tests for fracture• Percussion test is a blow to the tibia, fibula or heel to

create vibratory force that resonates w/in fracture• Compression test involves compression of tibia and

fibula either above or below site of concern• Tuning forks can also be used to create vibration at

point of injury– Thompson test

• Squeeze calf muscle, while foot is extended off table to test the integrity of the Achilles tendon

– Positive tests results in no movement in the foot

– Homan’s test• Test for deep vein thrombophlebitis• With knee extended and foot off table, ankle is

moved into dorsiflexion• Pain in calf is a positive sign and should be referred


Compression Test Percussion Test

Homan’s Test Thompson Test© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

• Ankle Stability Tests– Anterior drawer test: ATF primarily and

other lateral ligaments secondarily • Tibia is pushed backward as calcaneus is

drawn forward• A positive test occurs when foot slides forward

and /or makes a clunking sound as it reaches the end point

– Talar tilt test: Inversion or eversion• With foot at 90 degrees calcaneus is inverted

and excessive motion indicates injury to calcaneofibular ligament and possibly the anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments

• If the calcaneus is everted, the deltoid ligament is tested


Anterior Drawer Test Talar Tilt Test

Figures 19-14 & 15


– Kleiger’s test• Used primarily to determine extent of damage to

the deltoid ligament and may be used to evaluate distal ankle syndesmosis, anterior/posterior tibiofibular ligaments and the interosseus membrane

• With lower leg stabilized, foot is rotated laterally to stress the deltoid

– Medial Subtalar Glide Test• Performed to determine presence of excessive

medial translation of the calcaneus on the talus• Talus is stabilized in subtalar neutral, while other

hand glides the calcaneus, medially• A positive test presents with excessive

movement, indicating injury to the lateral ligaments


Kleiger’s Test Medial Subtalar Glide Test

Figures 19-16 & 17


• Functional Tests

– While weight bearing the following should be performed

• Walk on toes (plantar flexion)• Walk on heels (dorsiflexion)• Walk on lateral borders of feet (inversion)• Walk on medial borders of feet (eversion)• Hops on injured ankle• Passive, active and resistive movements

should be manually applied to determine joint integrity and muscle function

– If the patient has difficulty with bearing weight these tests should not be utilized.


Special Tests Lab

• Percussion and Compression• Thompson Test• Homan’s Sign• Anterior Drawer• Talar Tilt (inversion and eversion)• Klieger’s• Medial Subtalar Glide• Functional

Chapter 18: The Ankle and Lower Leg

Part II

ASSIGNMENT:

• Pick one ankle/ lower leg injury and do a SOAP note on it.

Specific Injuries• Sprains

– Single most common injury in the active caused by sudden inversion or eversion moments

• Inversion Sprains– Most common and result in injury to the lateral

ligaments– Anterior talofibular ligament is injured with

inversion, plantar flexion and internal rotation– Occasionally the force is great enough for an

avulsion fracture to occur w/ the lateral malleolus


Figure 19-21

• Severity of ligament sprains is classified according to grades– Grade I, II, II

• With inversion sprains the foot is forcefully inverted or occurs when the foot comes into contact w/ uneven surfaces

Figure 19-19


• Ottawa Ankle Rules– Used for determining need for radiograph– Most often used in emergency room– Indicates that

• Required if pain in malleolar or midfoot area• Inability to bear weight for 4 steps (2 on each foot) at time of

injury and examination• Tenderness over inferior or posterior pole of either malleoli • Inability to bear weight (4 steps taken independently, even if

limping) at time of injury and/or evaluation• Tenderness along base of 5th metatarsal or navicular bone


• Grade 1 Inversion Ligament Sprain– Etiology

• Occurs with inversion plantar flexion and adduction• Causes stretching of the anterior talofibular ligament

– Signs and Symptoms• Mild pain and disability; weight bearing is minimally

impaired; point tenderness over ligaments and no laxity

– Management• RICE for 1-2 days; limited weight bearing initially

and then aggressive rehab• Tape may provide some additional support• Return to activity in 7-10 days



• Moderate inversion force causing great deal of disability with many days of lost time

– Signs and Symptoms• Feel or hear pop or snap; moderate pain w/

difficulty bearing weight; tenderness and edema

• Positive talar tilt and anterior drawer tests

– Management• RICE for at least first 72 hours; X-ray exam to

rule out fx; crutches 5-10 days, progressing to weight bearing


– Management (continued)• Will require protective immobilization but begin

ROM exercises early to aid in maintenance of motion and proprioception

• Taping will provide support during early stages of walking and running

• Long term disability will include chronic instability with injury recurrence potentially leading to joint degeneration

• Must continue to engage in rehab to prevent against re-injury



• Relatively uncommon but is extremely disabling• Caused by significant force (inversion) resulting

in spontaneous subluxation and reduction• Causes damage to the anterior/posterior

talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments as well as the capsule

– Signs and Symptoms• Severe pain, swelling, hemarthrosis,

discoloration• Unable to bear weight• Positive talar tilt and anterior drawer


– Management• RICE, X-ray (physician may apply dorsiflexion

splint for 3-6 weeks)• Crutches are provided after cast removal• Isometrics in cast; ROM, PRE and balance

exercise once out• Surgery may be warranted to stabilize ankle

due to increased laxity and instability


•Eversion Ankle Sprains-(Represent Only 5-10% of ankle sprains)

• Etiology – Bony protection and

ligament strength decreases likelihood of injury

– Eversion force results in damage to deltoid ligament and possibly fx of the fibula or avulsion fx

– Deltoid can also be impinged and contused with inversion sprains

Figure 19-24 A & B


– Etiology (continued)• Due to severity of injury, it may take longer to heal• Foot that is pronated, hypermobile or has a

depressed medial longitudinal arch is more predisposed to eversion sprains

– Signs and Symptoms• Pain may be severe; unable to bear weight; and pain

with abduction and adduction but not direct pressure on bottom of foot

– Management• RICE; X-ray to rule out fx; no weight bearing initially;

posterior splint tape; NSAID’s• Follows the same course of treatment as inversion

sprains• Grade 2 or higher will present with considerable

instability and may cause weakness in medial longitudinal arch resulting in excessive pronation or fallen arch


• Syndesmotic Sprain– Etiology

• Injury to the distal tibiofemoral joint (anterior/posterior tibiofibular ligament)

• Torn w/ increased external rotation or dorsiflexion• Injured in conjunction w/ medial and lateral ligaments

– Signs and Symptoms• Severe pain, loss of function; passive external rotation and

dorsiflexion cause pain• Pain is usually anterolaterally located

– Management• Difficult to treat and may requires months of treatment• Same course of treatment as other sprains, however,

immobilization and total rehab may be longer• Surgery may be required


• Ankle Fractures/Dislocations– Etiology

• Number of mechanisms– Forcibly abducted– Plant and internal rotation– Avulsion, bi-malleolar fractures

– Signs and Symptoms• Swelling and pain may be extreme with

possible deformity

– Management• RICE to control hemorrhaging and swelling• Once swelling is reduced, a walking cast or

brace may be applied, w/ immobilization lasting 6-8 weeks


Figure 19-26


Figure 19-26 B © 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

• Osteochondritis Dissecans– Etiology

• Occur in superior medial articular surface of the talar dome

• One or several fragments of articular cartilage, w/ underlying subchondral bone partially or completely detached and moving within the joint space

• Mechanism may be single trauma or repeated traumas

– Signs and Symptoms• May be a complaint of pain and effusion with signs

of atrophy• May also be catching, locking, or giving way


• Osteochondritis Dissecans– Management

• Diagnosis through X-ray or MRI• Incomplete and non-displaced injuries can be

immobilized with early motion and delayed weight bearing

• If fragments are displaced, surgery is necessary

• Surgery will minimize risk of nonunion


SCENARIO- ANKLE INJURY

• Acute Achilles Strain– Etiology

• Common in sports and often occurs with sprains or excessive dorsiflexion

– Sign and Symptoms• Pain may be mild to severe• Most severe injury is partial/complete avulsion

or rupturing of the Achilles– Management

• Pressure and RICE should be applied• After hemorrhaging has subsided an elastic

wrap should continue to be applied• Conservative treatment should be used as

Achilles problems generally become chronic• A heel lift should be used and stretching and

strengthening should begin soon


• Achilles Tendinosis– Etiology

• Achilles tendinitis is an inflammatory condition involving tendon, sheath or paratendon

– Referred to as tenosynovitis– Causes fibrosis and scaring that can restrict tendon

motion in sheath– May lead to tendinosis

• Achilles tendinosis typically does not present with inflammation, area has lost normal appearance, with cell disorganization/scarring and degeneration

• Tendon is overloaded due to extensive stress• Presents with gradual onset and worsens with

continued use• Decreased flexibility exacerbates condition


– Signs and Symptoms• Generalized pain and

stiffness, localized proximal to calcaneal insertion

• Warm and painful with palpation, also presents with thickening

• May limit strength• May progress to

morning stiffness• Crepitus with active

plantar flexion and passive dorsiflexion

• Chronic inflammation may lead to thickening

Figure 19-27


– Management• Resistant to quick resolution due to slow

healing nature of tendon• Must reduce stress on tendon, address

structural faults (orthotics, mechanics, flexibility)

• Use anti-inflammatory modalities and medications

• Cross friction massage may be helpful in breaking down adhesions

• Strengthening must progress slowly in order to not aggravate the tendon


• Achilles Tendon Rupture– Etiology

• Occurs w/ sudden stop and go; forceful plantar flexion w/ knee moving into full extension

• Commonly seen in athletes > 30 years old– Can be observed at any age

• Generally has history of chronic inflammation

– Signs and Symptoms• Sudden snap (kick in the leg) w/ immediate

pain which rapidly subsides• Point tenderness, swelling, discoloration;

decreased ROM• Obvious indentation and positive Thompson

test• Occurs 2-6 cm proximal the calcaneal insertion


• Achilles Tendon Rupture (continued)– Management

• Usual management involves surgical repair for serious injuries (return of 75-80% of function)

• Non-operative treatment consists of RICE, NSAID’s, analgesics, and a non-weight bearing cast for 6 weeks, followed up by a walking cast for 2 weeks (75-90% return to normal function)

• Rehabilitation lasts about 6 months and consists of ROM, PRE and wearing a 2cm heel lift in both shoes


Figure 19-28

• Peroneal Tendon Subluxation/Dislocation– Etiology

• Occurs in sports with dynamic forces being applied to the ankle (cutting and turning)

• May also be caused by dramatic blow to posterior lateral malleolus, or moderate/severe inversion ankle sprain resulting in tearing of peroneal retinaculum

• In some cases tendon may rupture

– Signs and Symptoms• Complain of snapping in and out of groove with activity

• Eversion against manual resistance replicates subluxation

• Recurrent pain, snapping and instability

• Present with ecchymosis, edema, tenderness, and crepitus over the tendon


• Peroneal Subluxation (continued)– Management

• Conservative approach should be used first, including compression with felt horseshoe

• Reinforce compression pad with rigid plastic or plaster until acute signs have subsided

• RICE, NSAID’s and analgesics• Conservative treatment time 5-6 weeks

followed by gradual rehab program• Surgery if conservative plan fails


• Anterior Tibialis Tendinitis– Etiology

• Commonly occurs after extensive down hill running

– Signs and Symptoms• Point tenderness over anterior tibialis tendon

– Management• Rest or at least decrease running time and

distance, avoid hills• In more serious cases, ice & stretch before and

after running to reduce symptoms• Daily strengthening should be conducted• Oral anti-inflammatory medication may be

required© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

• Posterior Tibialis Tendinitis– Etiology

• Common overuse condition in runners with foot hypermobility or over pronation

• Repetitive microtrauma

– Signs and Symptoms• Pain and swelling in area of medial malleolus• Edema, point tenderness and increased pain

during resistive inversion and plantar flexion

– Management• Initially, RICE, NSAID’s and analgesics• Non-weight bearing cast w/ foot in inversion

may be used• Correct problem of over pronation with taping

or orthotic


• Peroneal Tendinitis– Etiology

• Not common, but can be found with patients that have pes cavus due to excessive supination placing stress on peroneal tendon

– Signs and Symptoms• Pain behind lateral malleolus during push-off or

when rising on ball of foot• Pain along distolateral aspect of calcaneus and

beneath the cuboid

– Management• RICE, NSAID’s, elastic taping, appropriate

warm-up and flexibility exercises• LowDye taping or orthotics to help support foot


Figure 19-29


SCENARIO- ANKLE/ LOWER LEG

• Shin Contusion– Etiology

• Direct blow to lower leg (impacting periosteum anteriorly)

– Signs and Symptoms• Intense pain, rapidly forming hematoma w/ jelly like

consistency

– Management• RICE, NSAID’s and analgesics as needed• Maintaining compression for hematoma (which

may need to aspirated) • Fit with doughnut pad and orthoplast shell for

protection• If not managed appropriately may develop into

osteomyelitis (deterioration of bone)


• Muscle Contusions– Etiology

• Contusion of leg, particularly in the region of the gastrocnemius

– Signs and Symptoms• Bruise may develop, pain, weakness and partial

loss of limb function• Palpation will reveal hard, rigid, inflexible area due

to internal hemorrhaging and muscle guarding – Management

• Stretch to prevent spasm; apply cold compression and ice

• If superficial therapy and massage do not return patient to normal in 2-3 days, ultrasound would be indicated

• Wrap or tape will help to stabilize the area


• Leg Cramps and Spasms - Sudden, violent, involuntary contraction, either

clonic (intermittent) or tonic (sustained) in nature– Etiology

• Difficult to determine; fatigue, loss of fluids, electrolyte imbalance, inadequate reciprocal muscle coordination

– Signs and Symptoms• Cramping with pain and contraction of calf

muscle– Management

• Try to help patient relax to relieve cramp• Firm grasp of cramping muscle with gentle

stretching will relieve acute spasm• Ice will also aid in reducing spasm• If recurrent may be fatigue or water/electrolyte

imbalance


• Gastrocnemius Strain– Etiology

• Susceptible to strain near musculotendinous attachment• Caused by quick start or stop, jumping

– Signs and Symptoms• Depending on grade, variable amount of swelling, pain,

muscle disability• May feel like being “hit in leg with a stick”• Edema, point tenderness and functional loss of strength

– Management• RICE, NSAID’s and analgesics as needed• Grade 1 should apply gentle stretch after cooling• Weight bearing as tolerated; use heel wedge to reduce

calf stretching while walking• Gradual rehab program should be instituted


• Acute Leg Fractures– Etiology

• Fibula has highest incidence of fracture, occurring primarily in the middle third

• Tibial fractures occur predominantly in the lower third

• Result of direct blow or indirect trauma

– Signs and Symptoms• Pain, swelling, soft tissue insult• Leg will appear hard and swollen (Volkman’s

contracture- due to swelling muscle contracts)

– Management• X-ray, reduction, casting up to 6 weeks

depending on the extent of injury© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Figure 19-32


• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)– Etiology

• Pain in anterior portion of shin• Catch all for stress fractures, muscle strains,

chronic anterior compartment syndrome• Accounts for 10-15% of all running injuries, 60% of

leg pain in athletes• Caused by repetitive microtrauma• Weak muscles, improper footwear, training errors,

varus foot, tight heel cord, hypermobile or pronated feet and even forefoot supination can contribute to MTSS

• May also involve, stress fractures or exertional compartment syndrome


• Shin Splints (continued)– Signs and Symptoms

• Four grades of pain– Grade I: Pain after activity

– Grade II: Pain before and after activity and not affecting performance

– Grade II: Pain before, during and after activity, affecting performance

– Grade IV: Pain so severe, performance is impossible

– Management• Physician referral for X-rays and bone scan• Activity modification• Correction of abnormal biomechanics• Ice massage to reduce pain and inflammation• Flexibility program for gastroc-soleus complex• Arch taping and or orthotics


• Compartment Syndrome– Etiology

• Acute compartment syndrome– Occurs secondary to direct trauma– Medical emergency

• Acute exertional compartment syndrome– Evolves with minimal to moderate activity

• Chronic compartment syndrome– Symptoms arise consistently at certain point during activity– Symptoms subside when activity stops

– Signs and Symptoms• Complain of deep aching pain & tightness due to pressure and

swelling• Reduced circulation and sensation of foot occurs• Intracompartmental measures further define severity• Must be recognized and treated early• Drop foot if anterior


• Compartment Syndrome (continued)– Management

• If severe acute or chronic case, may present as medical emergency that requires surgery to reduce pressure or release fascia

• RICE, NSAID’s and analgesics as needed• Under acute and exertional cases pressures

will be monitored and surgical needs will be dependent on findings

– Following surgical release patient may not return to activity for 2-4 months

• In chronic conditions management is initially conservative

• Fasciotomy may be necessary if conservative measures fail


• Stress Fracture of Tibia or Fibula– Etiology

• Common overuse condition, particularly in those with structural and biomechanical insufficiencies

• Runners tends to develop in lower third of lower leg (dancers middle third)

• Often occur in unconditioned, non-experienced individuals

• Often training errors are involved• Component of female athlete triad

– Signs and Symptoms• Pain more intense after exercise than before• Point tenderness; difficult to discern bone and soft

tissue pain• Bone scan results (stress fracture vs. periostitis)


• Management– Discontinue stress

inducing activity 14 days

– Use crutches for walking

– Weight bearing may return when pain subsides

– Cycling before running– After pain free for 2

weeks patient can gradually return to running

– Biomechanics must be addressed

Figure 19-34


Rehabilitation Techniques• General Body Conditioning

– Must be maintained with non-weight bearing activities

• Weight Bearing– Non-weight bearing vs. partial weight bearing– Protection and faster healing– Partial weight bearing helps to limit muscle

atrophy, proprioceptive loss, circulatory stasis and tendinitis

– Protected motion facilitates collagen alignment and stronger healing


• Joint Mobilizations– Movement of an injured joint can be

improved with manual mobilization techniques

• Flexibility– During early stages inversion and eversion

should be limited– Plantar flexion and dorsiflexion should be

encouraged– With decreased discomfort inversion and

eversion exercises should be initiated


Figure 19-37


• Neuromuscular Control– BAPS board progression should be based on

patient’s progress• Non Partial Full weight bearing

– Deficits can predispose individuals to injury

– Patient should engage in proprioception progression including double and single leg stances, eyes open and closed, single leg kicks and alternating apparatuses and surfaces

– Use of a variety of closed kinetic chain exercises may be beneficial

• Enhances overall proprioceptive return© 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

• Strengthening– Isometrics (4 directions) early during rehab

phase– With increased healing, aggressive nature

of strengthening should increase (isotonic exercises

– Pain should serve as the guideline for progression

– Tubing exercises allows for concentric and eccentric exercises

– PNF allows for isolation of specific motions



• Taping and Bracing– Ideal to have patient return w/out taping

and bracing– Common practice to use tape and brace

initially to enhance stabilization– Must be sure it does not interfere with

overall motor performance– Utilize braces and taping to provide

support to ligamentous structures– May help athlete detect movement in the

ankle and reduce injury


• Functional Progressions– Severe injuries require more detailed plan– Introduction of weight bearing activities

(partial vs. full) is critical to progress– Progression must occur based on pain and

level of function – Running can begin when ambulation is

pain free (transition from pool even surface changes of speed and direction)


• Return to Activity– Must have complete range of motion and

at least 80-90% of pre-injury strength before return to sport

– If full practice is tolerated w/out insult, patient can return to competition

– Return to activity must involve gradual progression of functional activities, slowly increasing stress on injured structure

– Specific sports dictate specific drills


Chapter 19: The Ankle and Lower Leg © 2011 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

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