Ankle & Foot
Neurological & Vascular
Evidence: confirmed
Tinel's Sign (Ankle) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Testing for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (Posterior Tibial Nerve compression).
How to Perform
- Position: Patient sits or lies comfortably.
- Action: Lightly tap (percuss) over the nerve located behind the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone).
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation radiates into the foot or toes.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Tinel's Sign (Ankle) should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Ankle & Foot region, combining the Tinel's Sign (Ankle) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment (7th ed.). Elsevier.
