Understanding the Figure of Eight Method of Measuring Ankle Joint Swelling Assessment
To quantitatively measure and track **ankle and foot edema (swelling)** volume over time.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting with the ankle held in a neutral position.
What happens?
A measuring tape is used in a specific 'figure of eight' pattern: starting at the tibialis anterior tendon, circling the ankle, passing over the navicular, under the arch, across the Achilles, and returning to the start.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
An **increase in measurement (circumference)** compared to the previous measurement or the opposite, unaffected ankle indicates worsening edema.
Helpful Tip:
This method is considered highly reliable for detecting small changes in swelling volume compared to simple circumference measurements.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other ankel Tests
Anterior Drawer of the Ankle
To assess the integrity of the **Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)**, the most commonly injured ligament in lateral ankle sprains.
External Rotation Stress Test (or Syndesmosis Ligament Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (the 'high ankle sprain' ligaments, including the AITFL and PITFL).
Impingement sign ankle (Anterior Ankle Impingement)
To diagnose **Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome** (bony or soft tissue impingement at the front of the joint).
Kleiger's Test (External Rotation Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (high ankle sprain) and the **Deltoid Ligament** (medial ankle).