Ankle and feet complaints are common presentations in Accident and Emergency, general practice, and orthopaedic clinics. The most common presentation is pain, such as acute fractures, plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.
The ankle and foot examination, along with all other joint examinations, is commonly tested on in OSCEs. You should ensure you are able to perform this confidently.
The examination of all joints follows the general pattern of “look, feel, move” as well as an assessment of function, in this case gait.
Wash your hands and introduce yourself to the patient.
Clarify the patient’s identity and explain what you would like to examine and gain their consent.
Ensure that both ankles and feet are appropriately exposed.
Begin with inspecting the joint whilst the patient is standing
Ask the patient to lie on the bed, and perform a further general inspection.
Check the following:
Feel the temperature of each foot, comparing it to the temperature of the rest of the leg.
Palpate the joint, start by squeezing over the metatarsophalangeal joints whilst observing the patient’s face.
Palpate over the midfoot, ankle and subtalar joint lines for any tenderness.
Palpate the foot pulses.
Assess all active movements of the foot which are:
Movements should then be tested passively.
Finally examine the midtarsal joints by fixing the ankle with one foot and inverting and everting the forefoot with the other.
Allow the patient to dress and thank them. Wash your hands and report your findings to the examiner.
This guide is designed for students and doctors. If you are applying for medical school and would like more information on the UCAT please check out our complete guide and our guide on how to practice for your exam.
