Abstract
CASE HISTORY: Patient A was a 20-year-old collegiate running back with a history of a left midfoot sprain in the previous spring season. Patient A presented with right foot pain after the second game of the season. He reported pain and a feeling of a ‘fallen arch’ when weight bearing. Patient A reported symptoms one day after the injury and was evaluated and treated immediately. Patient B was an 18-year-old collegiate cornerback with no significant history. Patient B reported midfoot pain after being tackled during a practice. Patient B was assessed in the athletic training clinical after practice. Patient B reported moderate pain with ambulation and a fallen arch with ambulation. PHYSICAL EXAM: Patient A had a positive tuning fork test and was referred for an X-ray because of a suspected fracture. Patient B had mild swelling in his midfoot, was tender to palpation over the dorsal 1st tarsometatarsal joint and had pain with 1st tarsometatarsal joint mobilization. Patient B was referred for an X-ray to rule out a fracture. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES: Midfoot bony contusion, Midfoot fracture, and Midfoot dislocation. TESTS & RESULTS: Patient A had an X-ray of his right foot which was negative for an acute fracture of the midfoot. Patient B had and X-ray of the left foot which was also negative for any acute fractures. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Grade 1 Midfoot Sprain in both patients. DISCUSSION: Patient A’s history of a more severe midfoot sprain aided the patient in being compliant with rehabilitation exercises and the athletic training staff’s recommendations. Patient B was a freshman with no history of serious injuries. Patient B was non-compliant with rehabilitation exercises and the athletic training staff’s recommendations. Patient A never missed a rehabilitation session while patient B frequently missed 2-3 rehabilitation sessions a week. Rehabilitation compliance is a key factor in the return to participation timeline. OUTCOME OF THE CASE: Patient A returned to full participation after 3 weeks while patient B return to full participation after 6 weeks. RETURN TO ACTIVITY AND FURTHER FOLLOW-UP: Both patients returned to participation performing at the same level prior to injury.
Recommended Citation
Snyder, Johnie J. and Long, Melissa D.
(2024)
"Return to Play Variations Due to Rehabilitation Compliance in Division 1 Athletes with Midfoot Sprains,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
16, Article 69.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss16/69