Abstract
A 69-year-old female who was 10 weeks post right fifth metatarsal fracture and immobilized in a CAM walker boot for 8 weeks was seen for physical therapy treatment for 7 sessions during an 8-week period at an outpatient physical therapy pro bono clinic. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with goniometry, Manual Muscle Test, observation of gait, Patient Specific Functional Scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, Berg Balance Test, and patient report. The plan of care was established to address range of motion, strength and balance impairments, and restore functional tasks to allow her to return to unrestricted activities of daily living and hiking. Main goals for the patient were to improve strength, range of motion, and static and dynamic balance, increase ability to perform activities of daily living and return to hiking at her normal pace and distance. Main interventions utilized included therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, over-ground gait training, task specific training and functional training. The patient responded well to physical therapy interventions and achieved the goals of improved ankle strength and range of motion, static and dynamic balance, and gait. The ability to perform functional activities and hike at her desired level was also achieved. The patient was discharged to home with a home exercise program.