The Windlass Test assesses plantar fascia tension sensitivity by extending the big toe and observing heel or arch pain reproduction. A positive result may suggest plantar fascia irritation but does not confirm plantar fasciitis on its own.

Introduction

Heel and arch pain are common in running, jum...

The Thompson Test assesses Achilles tendon continuity by squeezing the calf and observing whether the foot plantarflexes. Lack of plantarflexion may suggest Achilles tendon rupture and should prompt appropriate medical assessment. Recent reviews describe Achilles rupture diagnosis as primarily clini...

The Talar Tilt Test assesses inversion laxity and endpoint quality at the ankle, commonly related to calcaneofibular ligament involvement and lateral ankle instability. A positive finding may include increased inversion tilt, soft endpoint, apprehension or familiar lateral ankle symptoms compared wi...

The ankle Squeeze Test assesses whether compressing the tibia and fibula together in the lower leg reproduces pain at the distal syndesmosis. It is commonly used when high ankle sprain is suspected. A 2021 systematic review of ankle syndesmosis clinical tests found that test accuracy varies and that...

The Silfverskiöld Test compares ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended and knee flexed to help differentiate gastrocnemius restriction from more general ankle or Achilles complex restriction. Greater dorsiflexion with knee flexion may suggest gastrocnemius contribution because the gastrocnemius c...

The Prone Anterior Drawer Test assesses anterior translation of the talus while the client lies prone. It is commonly used to help assess anterior talofibular ligament involvement after lateral ankle sprain or in chronic ankle instability. A 2022 systematic review found that physical examination tes...

Peroneus Longus and Brevis Tests assess pain, strength and control during resisted eversion, plantarflexion-eversion and dorsiflexion-eversion patterns. They may help identify peroneal tendon involvement in clients with lateral ankle pain, snapping, weakness or instability symptoms. Peroneal tendon ...

Kleiger’s Test, also called the external rotation stress test, assesses pain response when the foot is externally rotated relative to the lower leg. Pain may suggest syndesmosis involvement, deltoid ligament involvement or other ankle injury depending on symptom location. A 2021 systematic review of...

The Ankle Impingement Sign assesses whether ankle dorsiflexion reproduces familiar anterior ankle pain, often around the anteromedial or anterolateral joint line. Anterior ankle impingement is described as a pain syndrome related to soft tissue or bony impingement, commonly associated with chronic a...

The Eversion Stress Test assesses medial ankle pain, laxity or apprehension when an eversion force is applied to the ankle. It is commonly used when deltoid ligament involvement or medial ankle sprain is suspected. Current ankle ligament test evidence is stronger for lateral ligament and syndesmosis...

The Anterior Drawer of the Ankle assesses anterior translation of the talus relative to the tibia and fibula, commonly to help assess anterior talofibular ligament involvement after lateral ankle sprain. A positive finding may include increased anterior translation, a soft endpoint, apprehension or ...

The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, also known as the Knee-to-Wall Test or Dorsiflexion Lunge Test, measures ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in a functional weight-bearing position. It is one of the better-supported ankle ROM field tests, with research showing strong reliability and validity for measu...