Case Study Integration (CSI): Ankle and Foot – Activated Arthrosis

14.6 Contact hours/ 1.46 CEU’s

This online self-paced course provides the learner with keys and steps to solve a complex patient case of subacute ankle-activated arthrosis that is complicated by a Morton’s neuroma and altered alignment in the affected lower extremity. The case examines advanced concepts in anatomy, pathology, and biomechanics specific to the history, clinical diagnosis, and differential diagnoses. Extensive instruction is provided by authorities in the profession on a comprehensive plan of care that includes soft tissue and joint mobilization, dry needling, and sensorimotor control. Special topics include 1) differential diagnoses of metatarsalgia, 2) functional and clinical considerations of high versus low arch, 3) ankle instability, and 4) biopsychosocial approach to communication for building rapport, compliance, and optimal outcomes.

Target Group: PT, PTA, ATC

Educational Level: Intermediate

Course Outline

By the end of the course, the participant will be able to:

• Assess patient history, based on pathoanatomy and biomechanics of the ankle and foot, to formulate a working hypothesis of pathology prior to initiating the clinical examination.
• Justify a sound clinical diagnosis for physical therapy by thorough interpretation of clinical examination findings.
• Select specific clinical tests that are the most informative for confirming diagnosis, causal factor(s), and perpetuator(s) in a patient with ankle and foot pain.
• Create a comprehensive plan of care that includes all the following: soft tissue and joint specific manual therapy, dry needling, and appropriate sensorimotor control strategies focused on lower extremity control of motion and load.
• Formulate selective functional testing that supports the specific exercise program prescribed for a patient with subacute ankle and foot pain.
• With the use of evidence-based psychosocial approaches, engage and promote the patient-clinician relationship that leads to building rapport, optimal compliance, and better functional and clinical outcomes.
• Appraise a patient condition involving high or low arch and/or instability, and appropriately adapt the plan of care to these confounding factors.
• Support the patient in a multifocal approach to healing by recommending strategies for optimal sleep, hydration, nutrition, and creating a sense of well-being.

• Financial: The instructor(s) receive an honorarium for presenting this course.
• Non-financial: The instructor(s) have no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
• Partial credit is not available. For online courses, passing module assessments and completing the course evaluation is required to earn continuing education credit. For live courses, attendance is confirmed by signing the attendance sheet at the course; ensure name and professional license number are accurate, and initial both morning and afternoon attendance.