College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

If a patient experiences pain in the lower extremity during plantar and dorsiflexion exercises, what condition might they have?

1. Patellar tendinitis

2. Achilles tendonitis

3. Shin splints

4. Plantar fasciitis

The correct answer is: Achilles tendonitis

The presence of pain in the lower extremity during both plantar and dorsiflexion exercises suggests involvement of structures that are active during these movements, particularly around the ankle. Achilles tendinitis specifically involves the Achilles tendon, which is responsible for plantarflexion of the foot through the calf muscles. The condition can manifest as pain and stiffness when the tendon is engaged, which aligns with discomfort experienced during both types of movements. In contrast, while patellar tendinitis primarily affects the knee region and is more associated with activities like jumping or running, shin splints typically involve pain along the front or sides of the lower leg rather than during ankle-specific exercises. Plantar fasciitis tends to cause heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting and is not directly connected to the ankle's dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. This understanding solidifies why Achilles tendinitis is the most appropriate condition to consider when a patient exhibits pain during both plantar and dorsiflexion exercises in the lower extremity.