The Windlass Test: Plantar Fasciitis and Hallux Rigidus
The Windlass Test for Plantar Fasciitis:
You may not have heard of the Windlass Test, but if we mentioned Plantar Fascia or Plantar Fasciitis – we’re sure you’d recognise that! It’s a term we hear so often and yet managing the symptoms, causes and treatment of plantar fasciitis is really quite limited…
Pain in the plantar fascia can stem from a number of conditions or misalignments spiralling up and down the chain.
The Windlass Test is a screen which applies a direct stretch on to the plantar aponeurosis – This is an effective screen when you need to assess for any dysfunction of the plantar fascia. This test can be important tool to have in your toolbox especially when it comes to the decision-making process involved in the evaluation and management of plantar fasciitis.
How to Perform the Windlass Test:
To perform the Windlass Test, have your client standing on a chair, or an elevated surface which allows the big toe to hang off of the edge. Position the foot so that the ball of the big toe sits over the edge of the surface, and all you will need to do is lift the big toe up. The test would be positive if your client felt pain underneath the head of the first metatarsal (This is where the plantar fascia attaches)
Did you know, this screen serves a dual purpose! It can also test for Hallux Rigidus. The positioning of the screen is exactly the same but what you’re looking out for during this movement is stiffness or a limited range of movement at the big toe. A limited ROM or stiffness would indicate a Hallux Rigidus…
All of these screens are really helpful when you need assess for dysfunction or suboptimal movement patterns and pain or dyscomfort – But what we look at on our courses is then how you would help your client to effectively strengthen and rehab these areas using Pilates based exercise. Pilates is all about optimal movement so if we know which area of the body is preventing that and we can work on correcting and strengthening the weak link then the benefits can be huge for you and your clients!
As Pilates Therapists, we do not diagnose, nor suggest that they replace Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic treatment or medical treatment of any kind. However, we do have additional skills equipping us to support these practitioners when they are ready to refer them on for Pilates practice.
Once your client has seen a medical practitioner and has been cleared for Pilates exercise, there are many things you can do to help and potentially improve their condition. We delve deeper into this on our Knee and Foot courses and we still have a few spaces free should you wish to join us and learn more! So if you’re interested, please feel free to visit our Courses page or why not drop us an email at info@pilatestherapy.co.uk
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