Stress Syndromes Around the Ankle
Stress fractures, stress reactions, and overuse tendinopathies are common overuse injuries in athletes and can contribute to decreased performance if not recognized and managed effectively. Repetitive, high-mileage running and jumping sports predispose athletes to these overuse injuries. The lower extremity around the ankle including the tibia, fibula, and navicular is a common location for stress fractures. Tendon overuse resulting in tendinitis and tendinopathy is a common entity around the ankle, in particular those to the Achilles, tibialis posterior, and peroneal tendons. Without appropriate diagnosis and preventative measures, these stress syndromes remain a risk in these patients. In this chapter, we focus on the physical examination around the ankle when assessing these stress disorders and overuse syndromes.