Tarsal Tunnel
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a pathology resulting from compression of the posterior tibial nerve. This syndrome typically occurs after a traumatic injury to the foot and ankle, such as an ankle sprain. As Athletic Trainer’s, we are very familiar with acute ankle injuries but much less educated on secondary syndromes that can be associated with these injuries. As clinicians, we need to be able to recognize the etiologies of this condition in order to apply appropriate treatments.
- By participating in this course, the athletic trainer will be better equipped to accurately assess athletes with foot injuries that present with neurological symptoms such as those associated with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Proper continuous assessment of athletics injuries will lead to early recognition of secondary conditions that may present, and early recognition minimizes the longer effects of the injury and improves long term outcomes.
Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation in the soft tissue of the arch of the foot and is a common condition in athletes of all ages. The foot is comprised of complex anatomy. Injuries or conditions effecting the foot pose a significant risk for decreased mobility and quality of life. Athletic trainers need to be up to date on current best practices for Plantar Fasciitis to provide the best care for patients and to prevent significant disability. This program will review important anatomy of the various levels of soft tissue and boney structures, as well as important clinical pearls for diagnosis and treatment.
- By participating in this course, the athletic trainer will be able to recognize the history, signs, and symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis and provide expedient and appropriate care. This is the key to shortening time loss for athletes and reversing the progression of this condition.
High Ankle Sprain
- In the world of athletics, athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals frequently work with athletes who suffer a lateral ankle sprain. It is one of the most common athletic injuries for a variety of sports. Because it is so common, other more complex injuries with similar mechanisms may be missed during the initial assessment. Athletic trainers need to develop an increased level of suspicion when assessing common injures to avoid miss diagnosing more significant injuries such as a high ankle sprain. This program will look at the differential diagnosis of a high ankle sprain, discuss the physical exam and imaging associated with this injury, and review appropriate rehab strategies to manage these injuries.
-By participating in this program, the athletic trainer will have a heightened awareness of these injures and develop assessment techniques to help ensure these injures are less likely to be missed on initial examination. The result will be greater assessment accuracy, fewer repeat imaging, and better long term outcomes.
Compartment Syndrome
-Working with athletes who develop neurological symptoms can be very challenging. Proper history and mechanism of injury must be established to fully understand the clinical assessment and make an accurate diagnosis. Athletic trainers must recognize the early symptoms associated with the various compartment syndromes to avoid possible long term complications from these conditions. They also must know the appropriate referral path for these athletes. This program will review the physiology of compartment syndrome, discuss the differential diagnosis, and talk about possible treatment options.
-Participants in this program will be up to date with the latest strategies to identify, assess, and treat lower leg compartment syndrome. Utilizing this information will lead to an improved appreciation of the potential dangers of this condition and a greater urgency of making an accurate assessment and lead to earlier intervention. The result will be fewer long term complications and improved overall outcomes for these injuries.
Shin Splints and Tibial Stress Fractures
-Tibial stress fractures are a detrimental injury occurring primarily in sports that require repetitive impact, or in athletes starting a new activity without proper conditioning. This injury can result in lengthy recovery times and lasting physical and emotional damage. Athletic trainers need to recognize the signs and symptoms involved with stress fracture development and when to refer to a physician for further evaluation.
- By participating in this course, the athletic trainer will be better prepared to recognize the early signs of a developing stress fracture. Early recognition is key to implementing appropriate treatment quickly and preventing fractures from further progression, minimizing athletic time loss, and improving long term outcomes.
MaineGeneral Sports Medicine & Colby College Sports Medicine offer 14th Annual Spring Symposium: Injuries to the Ankle and Foot, On-Demand
CAT A Presentation
On-Demand
- Ashley Mychak, DPM
- Rushal Patel, MD
- Chris Lutrzykowski, MD
- Elizabeth Rothe, MD
- Steven Takasaki, DO
Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, the participant will be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of the anatomy of the tarsal tunnel.
• Identify various etiologies of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Summarize the evaluation and treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Describe pathologies that mimic tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Summarize the epidemiology and etiology of plantar fasciitis
• Identify the anatomy and pathophysiology of Plantar Fasciitis
• State the classic presentation of Plantar Fasciitis
• Explain treatment modalities used to treat Plantar Fasciitis.
• Express the prognosis for patients diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis.
• Explain the epidemiology of high ankle sprain.
• Accurately diagnose high ankle sprain through physical exam and diagnostic imagery.
• Summarize evidence based treatment strategies for athletes with high ankle sprain.
• Identify the physiology behind the development of compartment syndrome.
• Explain a differential diagnosis for compartment syndrome.
• Summarize the diagnostic testing and treatment options for compartment syndrome.
• Explain proper management of tibial stress fractures.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of Tibial stress fractures.
• Define the epidemiology of stress fractures.
According to the education levels described by the PDC, the following continuing education course is considered to be Advanced.
Credits Awarded
CEUs awarded: 3 CAT A CEUs
MaineGeneral Medical Center (BOC AP#: P2258) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of (3) CAT A CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
