rcw

1 Posts
 
Posted - 07/11/2006 :  11:27:51  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have a 14 y/o female soccer player how sustained an inversion ankle sprain about 2 months ago. She has 5/5 strength throughout and is pain free with normal activities but has pain with high impact activities. The calcaneal tap test is positive. Also when I tape the lateral malleolus posteriorly she is able to tolerate impact better. Could she have a possible fracture of the fibula or something else going on?

ABPT

11 Posts
 
Posted - 07/18/2006 :  14:56:20  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Sometimes as a result a lateral ankle sprain, the fibula making up the lateral malleolus can be shifted somewhat anteriorly. According to the Mulligan technique a manual application of a posterior force can be utilized to assist in correcting for this displacement. You can also perform this technique but towards the superior end of the fibula and utilizing an anteriorly directed force as well. You can also show your patient how to perform this technique as well. As far as a fracture, it is probably unlikely unless there was direct trauma to the lateral malleolus. Also, theoretically, taping should not decrease pain with impact if a fracture is involved.