1. The Foot, Ankle, and Lower Leg
Chapter 17:
The Foot, Ankle, and Lower Leg

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Common Injuries
Ankle sprains
Arch sprains
Blisters
Turf toe
Plantar fasciitis
Heel bruise
Heel spur
Fractures
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3. Foot/Ankle Rehabilitation
Exercises can be used both for rehabilitation and for prevention of injury.
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4. Foot Muscle Strengthening
Curl toes on top of a towel spread on the floor, causing the towel to bunch up.
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5. Tibialis Anterior Muscle
With one foot, step on an elastic band. Lift up the other foot with the elastic band wrapped around it.
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6. Peroneus Brevis Muscle
With one foot, step on an elastic band; evert the other foot. The closer the two feet are, the greater the resistance.
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Tibialis Posterior
Use a foot loop. Cross the leg muscle to be worked over the front of the other foot, which is placed above the band. Move the two feet in opposite directions.
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8. Achilles Tendon Stretch
Place the foot not to be stretched forward. Both feet point straight ahead. Slowly squat.
Repeat with the back foot turned out about 35 to 45 degrees.
Repeat with the back foot turned in about 30 to 45 degrees.
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Special Tests
Certain tests can be performed that aid in the evaluation of injury.
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Thompson Test
With the subject prone and legs bent at 90 degrees, the certified athletic trainer places hand and fingers around the lower leg.
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Thompson Test (cont.)
Lower leg muscles are squeezed. If the Achilles tendon is intact, the foot will plantar flex. If the foot does not move, the Achilles tendon is ruptured.
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Anterior Drawer Test
The top of the ankle is stabilized with one hand, and the heel pulled up with the other. Forward movement indicates a torn anterior talofibular ligament.
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Plantar Fascia Test
Pressing in the area of the injury near the medial calcaneus helps determine how much of the plantar fascia is affected.
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Talar Tilt Test
With the subject sitting and the ankle in a neutral position, grasp the calcaneus while holding the lower leg and apply direct inversion stress. The test is positive if the talus tilts out (injured calcaneofibular ligament).
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Tinel’s Sign
Tap the tibial nerve just below the lateral malleolus. Radiating pain indicates an inflamed tibial nerve.
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