Foot, Ankle, and Lower Leg

Chapter 15

The Foot

• The three major groups of bones are– Tarsals– Metatarsals– Phalanges

• A grand total of 28 bones in the foot

The Cup and Saucer

• The tibia and fibula fit the talus like a cup and saucer

Muscles in the calf

• There are two major muscles in the posterior calf.

• Gastrocnemius• Soleus

Lateral Ligaments

The anterior talofibular ligament is the most commonly sprained ligament in the ankle

Medial Ligaments

• The deltoid ligament is very strong

• When it is injured the athlete should be tested for a tibial fracture

• Eversions sprains make up approximately 15% of all ankle sprains

Great Toe Sprain“Turf Toe”

• The great toe is very important for a variety of functions– Balance– Kicking– Walking – Running– Push off

Ankle Braces

• Bracing has been proven to be more effective than taping in many studies.

• Taping tends to loose shape and effectiveness over time (as short as 20 minutes)

• Braces should allow the athlete a full range of motion and should be comfortable

AIRCAST

• This is not an athletic ankle brace its too restrictive

Ankle dislocations

• Important to call 9-1-1 for this injury

• Blood vessels and nerves may be damaged

Tendonitis/Tendinitis

• Most common at this region is ACHILLES and POSTERIOR TIBIALIS tendonitis

• Inflammation of the tendon• Occurs as a result of

overuse/under conditioning

Achilles Tendonitis

• Can be very painful

• Can set you up for a rupture if it does heal/go away

Achilles Rupture

• Can happen with – Forceful

contraction of gastroc

– Blow to the tendon– Forced dorsiflexion

Fractures at the lower leg

• ALL fractures must be splinted above and below the injury site

• This involves the whole foot and the knee

• Refer for xrays and call 9-1-1 if its serious

• Do not move athlete if it causes pain

Jones Fracture

• An avulsion of the 5th metatarsal

• Involves peroneus brevis tendon

• Occurs with forceful inversion

Shin Splints

• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

• Pain at the medial tibia

• Muscle fibers pulling away from the tibia

• Occurs b/c athlete is out of shape, older running shoes, tight calf muscles

Anterior Compartment Syndrome

• A very serious condition!!

• Diminished pulse• Often occurs after

trauma to the area• Requires surgical

repair (fascieotomy)

Toe Abnormalities

PRICES

• The best way to take care of almost any injury:

ProtectRestIce CompressElevateSupport