Foot Deformities: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps:

  • General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further:
    • Inspection (viewing).

      • Gait pattern (fluid, limping)
      • Body or joint posture (upright, bent, relieving posture).
      • Malpositions (deformities, contractures, shortenings).
      • Muscle atrophies (side comparison!, if necessary circumference measurements).
      • Joint(abrasions/wounds, swelling (tumor), redness (rubor), hyperthermia (calor); injury indications such as hematoma formation, arthritic joint lumpiness, leg axis assessment).
  • Orthopedic examination – including assessment of spontaneous foot posture, leg lengths, foot lengths, knee-foot axis, range of motion, passive redressability, circulation, motor function, sensitivity.
  • Neurological examination – testing of reflexes, strength testing.