Purpose: test interosseous space b/w the metatarsals
How to Perform: Hold two metatarsals one in each hand and glide the metatarsals in a plantar to dorsal direction
(+): Recreation of s/s: by stabilizing 2 MT heads and glide the MT’s in plantar to dorsal directions there would be pain in interosseus space or increased/decreased glide when compared bilateral = Indicates deep trauma to MT ligament, interosseous ligament, or both. Or even a neuroma
(-): No recreation of pain in interosseus space or increased/decreased glide of the metatarsal = No deep trauma to ligaments or a neuroma.
Purpose: laxity in the MCL and LCL at the joints of toes
How to Perform: Hold the appointed toe proximally and distally. Use thumb to provide a valgus and various force to the IP and MP joints of the toe.
(+): Recreation of Pain, or also feeling increased laxity, or decreased laxity of affected joint when compared bilaterally = Indicates: MCL or LCL sprain or avulsion fx, adhesions of involved joint
(-): No pain or laxity felt within affected joint when compared bilaterally = No MCL or LCL sprain or avulsion fx or adhesions of the involved joint
Purpose: laxity or pain at the joint capsule and plantar plate under IP joints
How to Perform: providing traction of the toe being tested holding proximally and distally to anterior and posterior translate the joint
(+): Recreation of s/s with pain at the joint capsule or plantar plate or increased/decreased laxity at the joint by slightly pulling and hold ing the proximal and distal portions of the toe, then pushing the IP joint in a plantar and dorsal direction. = Could indicate possible sprain or inflammation to joint or even rupture of the joint capsule itself
(-): No recreation of s/s: pain at joint capsule or plantar plate or increased/decreased laxity of the joint being tested = No possible sprain or joint inflammation or even joint capsule rupture
Purpose: stress fx or fx within foot
How to Perform:
Place both thumbs on the both sides of the spot of pain along the metatarsal bone. Apply a downward force on both sides of the site of pain trying to almost bend the bonelike a stick.
(+): Recreation of s/s pain at the right site within the foot from pretty much trying to break the joint of the metatarsals by putting pressure on the head of the metatarsal stabilizing the base of the metatarsal = Indicates fx
(-): No recreation of s/s pain at specific site of foot = No fx
Purpose: fx of metatarsal bone
How to Perform: Hold the appointed metatarsal at the base and head of the metatarsal. Apply an axial load to the tested metatarsal.
(+): Recreation of s/s from axial loading the metarsals from the MT head and base: pain at possible fx site/along metatarsal or presence of a “false joint” = Indicates: metatarsal fx
(-): No pain at possible fx site or presence of a “false joint” when metarsals are axial loaded = No metatarsal fx
Purpose: Morton's or intermetatarsal neuroma
How to Perform: When you have 1 hand wrapped around the metatarsals. You then squeeze the metatarsal heads together
(+): Recreation of s/s: numbness when you squeeze MTs (tells you how it’s performed = Indicates Morton’s neuroma
(-): No numbness with foot squeeze = No morton’s neuroma
Purpose: tarsal tunnel syndrome
How to Perform: Take 1 finger and tap along the posterior tibial nerve. So the spot to tape on would be the posterior inferior to the medial malleolus.
(+): Recreation of s/s: creation of paresthesia, tingling, numbness,or pain in the foot when the superficial nerve is tapped by a finger in the area posterior/inferior of the medial malleolus = Indicates presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome
(-): No creation of paresthesia, tingling, numbness or pain felt in foot when tarsal tunnel is tapped = No tarsal tunnel syndrome
Purpose: intermetatarsal neuroma or Morton's neuroma
How to Perform: Facing the patient’s foot,take the foot piece of a tuning fork and apply pressure to the inter metatarsal space on the plantar side of the foot.
(+): Recreation of s/s: when pencil is pushed between the the toes onto the metatarsal nerve within the foot, pain or numbness is felt by the patient = Indicates Morton’s neuroma
(-): No recreation of s/s of pain or numbness or tingling. = No morton’s neuroma