Palpation | The whole length of the tendon is examined using the thumb and index finger in prone and also in standing | Positive result if tenderness, heat, thickening, crepitation or nodules are noted. Fluctuant bursa noted in retrocalcaneal bursitis |
Painful arc | The tendon is observed as the patient is instructed to dorsiflex and plantarflex the ankle. This helps to distinguish between tendon and paratenon lesions | The identified area of swelling is noted to move with dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle. In para-tendinopathy the area of thickening will be fixed |
Royal London Hospital test | The tendon is palpated in neutral/slight plantarflexion and then palpated again with active dorsiflexion of the ankle | The tenderness is noted to significantly decrease or become painless when the ankle is dorsiflexed |