The swing test is a medical examination used to assess the range of motion in the ankle joint, particularly dorsiflexion. During the test, the examiner palpates the anterior portion of the talus with their thumbs and then passively plantarflexes and dorsiflexes the foot. The examiner compares the quality and degree of movement between the injured and uninjured foot, focusing on dorsiflexion. A positive swing test indicates resistance to dorsiflexion in the injured ankle.
The swing test can be used to diagnose various conditions, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
Example:
If a patient has a sprained ankle, the examiner might find that the injured ankle resists dorsiflexion compared to the uninjured ankle.
The swing test is a simple and effective way to assess ankle joint movement, especially dorsiflexion. It can help clinicians diagnose various ankle injuries.
