Squeeze Test
Learn about the Squeeze Test and how it can help diagnose syndesmosis injuries. Get access to a free PDF template and example.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What is a Squeeze Test?
Syndesmosis injuries are a type of ligamentous injury to the ankle joint. These injuries occur when the joint capsule surrounding the ankle is damaged or torn and can cause severe pain, swelling, and instability.
These syndesmosis injuries can be caused by direct trauma to the ankle, such as a fall or twist, or from overuse of the joint due to repetitive motions. If left untreated, a syndesmosis injury can lead to long-term issues, including chronic pain and instability.
One of the most commonly used tests to diagnose a syndesmosis injury is the. The test involves applying pressure to both sides of the ankle joint and checking for pain, instability, or other signs of injury. This simple test is easy to perform and can help a doctor or physical therapist determine if a patient suffers from a syndesmosis injury.
Check out this video to see how the Squeeze Test is performed:
Printable Ankle Squeeze Test
Download Ankle Squeeze Test to help diagnose syndesmosis injuries
How does this Squeeze Test work?
Our free Squeeze Test template can help you evaluate a patient's ankle stability and assess the severity of their condition. Follow these steps to get started:
Step One: Access the free Squeeze Test
Get a copy of our free worksheet using the link provided on this page. You can also download it from the Carepatron app or our resources library.
Step Two: Explain how the exam works
Explain to your patient that you will be squeezing both sides of the ankle joint and evaluating their stability. Tell them it is crucial to remain still while you perform the test and remind them to let you know if they experience any pain or instability.
Step Three: Administer the exam
You may use the steps on the template to perform the Squeeze Test. Ensure the patient remains still and can alert you of discomfort or instability.
Step Four: Evaluate your findings
Record your observations and any signs of instability from the exam. This information can be used to help diagnose a syndesmosis injury and plan for further treatment.
Squeeze Test Interpretation
This ankle exam is typically used to diagnose syndesmosis injuries commonly caused by trauma or overuse of the ankle joint. The results of the Squeeze Test can help determine the severity of the injury and develop a treatment plan.
Note that a positive test result is not definitive proof of injury, and further imaging exams may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis.
Squeeze Test example (sample)
Sometimes it's helpful to have an example to better understand how an assessment tool works. That’s why we have designed a Squeeze Test example specifically for educational purposes and as a reference. You may view the sample here or download the PDF version.
Download the free Squeeze Test example (sample)
When to use these Squeeze assessments?
The Squeeze Test is a standard assessment tool for diagnosing syndesmosis injuries. It can be used in both acute and chronic settings. Additionally, you can administer this exam to:
Determine a patient's ankle stability
The Squeeze Test can help determine if a patient’s ankle is stable after an injury or surgery. It assesses any instability that may remain after the ligaments have healed.
Evaluate the severity of an ankle ligament sprain
If a patient has suffered a syndesmosis sprain, the Squeeze Test can help you evaluate the severity of their condition. It may be used to determine if further imaging tests are needed and if the patient requires more aggressive treatment.
Identify signs of instability in the syndesmosis joint
The Squeeze Test can help you identify any instability in the syndesmosis joint. This is important for diagnosing and treating this type of injury, as instability can lead to further complications and an increased risk of chronic pain.
Check for signs of return-to-play readiness
In athletes, the Squeeze Test can be administered to evaluate whether a patient has sufficiently recovered from their injury and is ready to return to play. It can also help you determine if an athlete is likely to suffer from further injury or instability due to their condition.
Benefits of these free Squeeze Test Templates
This Squeeze Test template is designed to save healthcare providers time and money by providing an easy-to-use assessment tool for diagnosing syndesmosis injuries. Here are some of the benefits you can experience using this template:
It's clear and concise
Our Squeeze Test provides comprehensive instructions to help you easily evaluate a patient's ankle ligament stability. We have also created an example to help you better understand how the assessment works.
It's customizable
The template is free to download in PDF format and can be easily customized to your specific needs.
It's evidence-based
The Squeeze Test is an evidence-based assessment tool so that you can feel confident in the accuracy of your evaluations.
It helps patients better understand their condition
Using this template to explain your assessment results, you can help patients understand their condition and provide a clearer picture of the available treatment options.
It helps keep track of progress
The Squeeze Test template includes a space for you to record the results of each assessment. This helps you track your patient's progress and quickly compare their results from one session to the next.
Why use this Squeeze Test app?
Investing in Carepatron's practice management software is a smart, cost-effective way for physical therapists to streamline their processes and reduce administrative costs. Our cloud-based system makes it easy to manage patient records, track appointments, schedule staff, and simplify billing.
With Carepatron, you can save time and resources while providing exceptional patient care. Our software features include the following:
- Electronic health records (EHR)
- Appointment scheduling and reminders
- Automated billing and insurance processing
- Clinical documentation & reporting
- Patient portal to access medical history & lab results
- Customizable forms, templates, and worksheets
- Telehealth functions
We also designed Carepatron to be extremely user-friendly, so even those who are not tech-savvy can quickly get up and running. Plus, our customer service team is always available to answer any questions you may have.
Take control of your practice with Carepatron's practice management software and make patient care easier than ever before. Get started today!
.png)
Commonly asked questions
To perform the Squeeze Test, you will need to have the patient lie down in a supine position and place their foot on your leg. You will then apply gentle pressure with both hands around the patient’s ankle, squeezing in a circular motion. If you feel any instability in the joint during the test, this may indicate a syndesmosis injury.
The Squeeze Test is a non-invasive and cost-effective assessment tool that can be used to diagnose syndesmosis injuries quickly and accurately. It can also be used to evaluate whether a patient has sufficiently recovered from their injury and is ready to return to play. Additionally, it helps healthcare providers track their patient's progress over time.
The Squeeze Test measures the stability of a patient’s ankle joint, which can help healthcare professionals diagnose syndesmosis injuries.
