What is cantharidin? Cantharidin is a liquid agent used to treat various skin conditions such as viral warts and molluscum contagiosum. Cantharidin was derived from the secretions of a male blister beetle. The males give these secretions to the females to lay over their eggs to protect against predators. How does cantharidin work? Warts invade and grow in the epidermal layer …
High Arch Foot (Pes Cavus)
What is a Cavus foot type or high arch? A high arched foot is when someone has an abnormally high arch of their foot which can lead to abnormal foot biomechanics that cause a variety of different foot and ankle pain. What causes a person to have high arches? Genetics is the most common cause of having high arches, but can …
Achilles Tendonitis
What is Achilles tendonitis? Achilles tendonitis is a chronic inflammation of achilles tendon that causes thickening and pain of the tendon. The thickening occurs anywhere along the tendon, but most commonly at the insertion. At the insertion of achilles there can also be abnormal bony enlargement from the calcaneus. This bone can also cause irritation forming a painful retrocalcaneal bursa. …
Custom Foot Orthotics
Foot Orthotic What is an orthotic? An orthothosis is a device that provides, correction, support and/or protection to a part of the body. A foot orthosis is also known as an orthotic. What are the types of orthotics? Orthotics can be broken down into two types: Functional or accommodative. They come in 3 different lengths mets, sulcus, and toes. There …
Osteomyelitis in Foot and Ankle (OM)
What is osteomyelitis? Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone with progressive inflammatory destruction. What causes osteomyelitis? There are many ways a bone can develop an infection, but are mainly categorized into hematogenous (from the blood), contiguous spread (from the surrounding tissue), or direct inoculation ( bacteria being put on the bone). How to diagnose osteomyelitis? Depending on the cause …
Melanoma
What is melanoma? Melanoma is a malignant skin cancer originating from the melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin color. There are 4 main types of melanoma: acral lentiginous, lentigo maligna, superficial spreading, and nodular. The most common type of melanoma is superficial spreading and the most aggressive is nodular. What causes an melanoma? …
Osteochondral defect of talus (OCD/OLT)
What is an OCD of the talus? An ostechondral defect (OCD) is damage to to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus causing ankle pain. The talus is a bone in the ankle joint that articulates with the tibia and fibula. What causes an OCD of the talus? Typically OCDs are caused by acute traumatic event such as an …
Hallux Rigidus/Hallux Limitus
Hallux rigidus (hallux limitus) What is Hallux rigidus? Hallux rigidus is the development of arthritis in the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint, which over time leads to limited range of motion and pain. Hallux rigidus is a progressive condition, so over time you will develop more joint stiffness and pain. What causes hallux rigidus? Typically hallux rigidus is caused by a biomechanical/structural …
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
What is shin splints? Shin splints is a common issue in people that run, especially in patients that suddenly increase their physical activity. Shin splint pain is localized the the medial part of the tibia where the muscles of anterior compartment originate. The pain is typically only during exercise and resolves with rest. What causes shin splints? The cause of …