Understanding the Windlass Test (Weight Bearing) Assessment
To assess for **Plantar Fasciitis/Fasciosis** by tensioning the plantar fascia.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is standing, bearing weight equally on both feet. The heel of the affected foot is slightly elevated (e.g., on a step or block).
What happens?
The examiner passively forces the patient's **great toe (hallux) into maximal dorsiflexion** (hyperextension).
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The reproduction of **sharp pain at the insertion of the plantar fascia** on the medial calcaneal tuberosity (heel bone).
Helpful Tip:
Dorsiflexing the toe tightens the plantar fascia, acting like a 'windlass' to raise the arch and provoke symptoms.
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 Foot Tests
Coleman Block Test
To assess the **flexibility of a hindfoot varus deformity** and determine if it is fixed (bony) or flexible (soft tissue) in a patient with a **Cavus Foot (High Arch)**.
External Rotation Stress Test (Syndesmosis Ligament Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (high ankle sprain ligaments) by applying a rotational stress.
Feiss Line Test (or Feiss Line Grading)
To clinically assess and grade the degree of **longitudinal arch collapse (Pes Planus or Flat Foot)**.
Navicular Drop Test (or Staheli's Arch Index)
To quantify the change in height of the **medial longitudinal arch** from non-weight bearing to full weight bearing (assessing flexible flatfoot).