Ankle swelling is a common problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or activity level. It can be caused by various factors, such as injury, infection, inflammation, or poor circulation. Ankle swelling can be painful, uncomfortable, and limit your mobility and function.
If you have ankle swelling, you may wonder how to measure it accurately and objectively. Measuring ankle swelling can help you monitor your condition, evaluate your treatment progress, and prevent further complications. One of the methods that you can use to measure ankle swelling is the figure 8 ankle measurement.
In this article, we will explain what the figure 8 ankle measurement is, how to perform it correctly, and why it is a valid and reliable method of measuring ankle girth. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce ankle swelling and improve your ankle health.
What is the Figure 8 Ankle Measurement?
The figure 8 ankle measurement is a simple and practical technique that uses a tape measure to measure the size of your ankle joint. It is also known as the figure of eight method or the figure of eight tape measure method.
The figure 8 ankle measurement involves wrapping a tape measure around your ankle in a specific pattern that resembles the shape of the number 8. The tape measure covers the main areas of your ankle joint where swelling occurs, such as the anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior aspects.
The figure 8 ankle measurement has several advantages over other methods of measuring ankle swelling, such as:
- It is easy to perform and does not require any special equipment or skills.
- It is quick and time-efficient, taking only a few minutes to complete.
- It is cost-effective and accessible, as you only need a tape measure and a pen.
- It is reproducible and consistent, as it uses standardized landmarks and procedures.
- It is feasible and convenient, as it can be done in any setting, such as at home, in the clinic, or on the field.
How to Perform the Figure 8 Ankle Measurement Correctly?
To perform the figure 8 ankle measurement correctly, you will need a retractable one-quarter inch wide plastic tape measure and a marking pen. You will also need to follow these steps:
- Position yourself in a long-sitting position on a bed or a couch with your foot resting over the edge. You can use a pillow or a bolster to support your knee if needed. Make sure your ankle is in a neutral position, meaning that it is neither flexed nor extended.
- Use the marking pen to mark four landmarks on your ankle:
- The point midway over the anterior aspect of your ankle between the tibialis anterior tendon and the lateral malleolus (the bony prominence on the outside of your ankle).
- The navicular tuberosity (the bony prominence on the inside of your foot near the arch).
- The base of the fifth metatarsal (the bony prominence on the outside of your foot near the little toe).
- The inferior tip of the medial malleolus (the bony prominence on the inside of your ankle).
- Place the zero point of the tape measure over the mark on the anterior aspect of your ankle and pull the tape medially over the navicular tuberosity.
- Then pull the tape infero-laterally across the medial arch to the proximal aspect of the base of the fifth metatarsal.
- Next, pull the tape superiorly and medially over the tarsal bones across the inferior aspect of the medial malleolus.
- Finally, pull the tape posterolaterally around the Achilles tendon over the distal lateral malleolus to finish at the zero point.
- Record the measurement in centimeters and repeat it two more times for accuracy. Use the average of the three measurements as your final result.
- Make sure that you do not indent or compress your soft tissue during measurement. The tape should be snug but not tight around your ankle.
Why is the Figure 8 Ankle Measurement Valid and Reliable?
The figure 8 ankle measurement has been shown to be a valid and reliable method of measuring ankle girth in several studies. Validity refers to how well a method measures what it is supposed to measure, while reliability refers to how consistent a method is when repeated under similar conditions.
One study1 compared the figure 8 ankle measurement with water displacement volumetry, which is considered to be the gold standard for measuring limb volume. Water displacement volumetry involves immersing your foot in a container filled with water and measuring how much water is displaced by your foot.
The study found that there was a high correlation (r > 0.88) between the figure 8 ankle measurement and water displacement volumetry for both injured and uninjured ankles. This means that the figure 8 ankle measurement can accurately reflect the volume of your ankle joint.
Another study2 evaluated the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the figure 8 ankle measurement in subjects with and without ankle swelling. Intra-rater reliability refers to how consistent a method is when performed by the same tester, while inter-rater reliability refers to how consistent a method is when performed by different testers.
The study found that the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were very high (ICC > 0.98) for both asymptomatic and swollen ankles. This means that the figure 8 ankle measurement can produce consistent results regardless of who performs it or when it is performed.
The figure 8 ankle measurement also has a small standard error of measurement (SEM), which is an estimate of how much error is involved in a measurement. The SEM for the figure 8 ankle measurement was ±0.2 cm, which means that there is a 95% chance that the true value of your ankle girth is within 0.4 cm of your measured value.
How to Reduce Ankle Swelling and Improve Ankle Health?
Measuring your ankle swelling using the figure 8 ankle measurement can help you track your condition and evaluate your treatment progress. However, measuring alone is not enough to reduce your ankle swelling and improve your ankle health. You also need to take some steps to address the underlying cause of your swelling and prevent further complications.
Some of the steps that you can take to reduce your ankle swelling and improve your ankle health are:
- Elevate your leg above your heart level whenever possible. This can help reduce the fluid accumulation and pressure in your ankle joint.
- Apply ice or cold packs to your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce the inflammation and pain in your ankle joint.
- Wear compression stockings or socks that fit snugly around your ankle and lower leg. This can help improve the blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in your ankle joint.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time without moving. This can cause blood and fluid to pool in your lower extremities and increase your ankle swelling.
- Move your ankle and foot regularly throughout the day. This can help stimulate the muscle pump and enhance the fluid movement in your ankle joint.
- Perform gentle exercises and stretches for your ankle and foot as prescribed by your physical therapist or doctor. This can help improve the range of motion, strength, and function of your ankle joint.
- Avoid wearing tight or restrictive shoes or clothing that can impair the blood flow or lymphatic flow in your ankle joint.
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. This can help reduce the fluid retention and inflammation in your body and your ankle joint.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. This can help flush out the excess fluid and toxins from your body and your ankle joint.
- Consult your doctor or physical therapist if your ankle swelling persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, redness, warmth, or infection. This may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
Conclusion
Ankle swelling is a common problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or activity level. It can be caused by various factors, such as injury, infection, inflammation, or poor circulation. Ankle swelling can be painful, uncomfortable, and limit your mobility and function.
One of the methods that you can use to measure ankle swelling is the figure 8 ankle measurement. The figure 8 ankle measurement is a simple and practical technique that uses a tape measure to measure the size of your ankle joint. It is also known as the figure of eight method or the figure of eight tape measure method.
The figure 8 ankle measurement has several advantages over other methods of measuring ankle swelling, such as being easy, quick, cost-effective, reproducible, consistent, feasible, and convenient. The figure 8 ankle measurement has also been shown to be a valid and reliable method of measuring ankle girth in several studies.
Measuring your ankle swelling using the figure 8 ankle measurement can help you monitor your condition, evaluate your treatment progress, and prevent further complications. However, measuring alone is not enough to reduce your ankle swelling and improve your ankle health. You also need to take some steps to address the underlying cause of your swelling and prevent further complications.
Some of the steps that you can take to reduce your ankle swelling and improve your ankle health are elevating your leg above your heart level whenever possible, applying ice or cold packs to your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, wearing compression stockings or socks that fit snugly around your ankle and lower leg, avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time without moving, moving your ankle and foot regularly throughout the day, performing gentle exercises and stretches for your ankle and foot as prescribed by your physical therapist or doctor, avoiding wearing tight or restrictive shoes or clothing that can impair the blood flow or lymphatic
FAQs
What are the types of edema?
Edema is the swelling of body tissues due to fluid accumulation. There are different types and causes of edema, such as:
- Peripheral edema: This affects the feet, ankles, legs, hands, and arms. It can be caused by problems with the circulatory system, lymph nodes, or kidneys.
- Pulmonary edema: This affects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. It can be caused by heart failure, lung infections, or high altitude.
- Cerebral edema: This affects the brain and can lead to serious complications. It can be caused by head trauma, stroke, tumor, or allergic reaction.
- Macular edema: This affects the eyes and can impair vision. It can be caused by diabetes, eye surgery, or inflammation.
How is edema scored?
Edema is usually scored by measuring the depth and duration of the indentation that remains after applying pressure on the swollen area. This is called pitting edema. There are different grading scales for pitting edema, but one common method is:
- Grade 0: No pitting
- Grade 1: Slight pitting (2 mm depth) that rebounds immediately
- Grade 2: Moderate pitting (4 mm depth) that rebounds in a few seconds
- Grade 3: Deep pitting (6 mm depth) that rebounds in 10-12 seconds
- Grade 4: Very deep pitting (8 mm depth) that rebounds in more than 20 seconds
What is figure 8 ankle edema measurement?
Figure 8 ankle edema measurement is a technique that uses a tape measure to measure the size of the ankle joint by wrapping it around the ankle in a pattern that resembles the shape of the number 8. It covers the main areas where swelling occurs, such as the front, back, and sides of the ankle. It is a simple and practical method that can be done at home or in a clinic.
What is a normal ankle size?
There is no definitive answer to what is a normal ankle size, as it can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, height, weight, and body type. However, based on some studies and data, the average ankle size for women is about 8 inches or 20 cm, and for men is about 9 inches or 23 cm.
What are other ways to measure swelling?
Besides using a tape measure or applying pressure to check for pitting edema, there are other ways to measure swelling, such as:
- Water displacement volumetry: This involves immersing the swollen part of the body in a container filled with water and measuring how much water is displaced by it. This can indicate the volume of fluid in the tissue.
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis: This involves passing a small electric current through the body and measuring how much resistance it encounters. This can indicate the amount of fluid and fat in the body.
- Ultrasound imaging: This involves using sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the body. This can show the thickness and density of the tissue and detect any abnormalities.
What is a big ankle size?
A big ankle size is relative to each individual’s body proportions and preferences. However, some possible indicators of a big ankle size are:
- Having difficulty finding shoes or socks that fit well
- Having pain or discomfort in the ankles or lower legs
- Having reduced mobility or function in the ankles or feet
- Having signs of poor circulation or inflammation in the ankles or lower legs
How to do figure 8 measurement for the hand?
To do figure 8 measurement for the hand, you will need a retractable one-quarter inch wide plastic tape measure and a marking pen. You will also need to follow these steps:
- Sit on a chair or a bed with your hand resting on the edge of a table or a couch. Make sure your wrist is in a neutral position, meaning that it is neither flexed nor extended.
- Use the marking pen to mark two landmarks on your wrist:
- The distal aspect of the ulnar styloid process (the bony prominence on the inside of your wrist).
- The distal aspect of the radial styloid process (the bony prominence on the outside of your wrist).
- Place the zero point of the tape measure over the mark on the ulnar styloid process and pull the tape across the front of your wrist to the mark on the radial styloid process.
- Then pull the tape diagonally across the back of your hand and over the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint (the joint at the base of your little finger).
- Next, pull the tape across the palm of your hand and over the fourth metacarpophalangeal joint (the joint at the base of your ring finger).
- Then pull the tape diagonally across the back of your hand and over the mark on the ulnar styloid process to finish at the zero point.
- Record the measurement in centimeters and repeat it two more times for accuracy. Use the average of the three measurements as your final result.
- Make sure that you do not indent or compress your soft tissue during measurement. The tape should be snug but not tight around your hand.
You can watch a video demonstration of this technique here1. You can also read more about this method and its validity and reliability here234.
REFERENCES
3. YouTube
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