Squeeze Test

Learn about the Squeeze Test and how it can help diagnose syndesmosis injuries. Get access to a free PDF template and example.

By Ericka Pingol on Aug 2, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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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:

Squeeze Test Template

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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.

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.

Who is this Squeeze Test PDF for?

This free Squeeze Test template can be a valuable tool for the following healthcare professionals:

Orthopedic specialists
Sports medicine practitioners
Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Physiotherapists
Chiropractors
Athletic trainers
Primary care providers

You may also utilize this exam in various settings such as clinical, hospital, and rehabilitation centers. Additionally, the template can be used to train new healthcare providers on proper evaluation and assessment techniques for syndesmosis injuries.

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.

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.