What is CRPS? CRPS is a painful nerve condition with excess and prolonged pain/inflammation that occurs after an injury. Patients with CRPs have pain out of proportion and extreme sensitivity to the touch.There is improper function of the peripheral C-fiber nerve fibers that carries pain message to the brain. What causes CRPS? Trauma, Surgery, prolong immobilization, anxiety/depression, use of ace …
Callus – intractable plantar keratosis (IPK)
What is n painful calluses (IPKs)? An IPK is a type of painful callus that forms in areas of high pressure typically underneath the metatarsal heads. These IPKs are very painful and cause forefoot pain referred to as metatarsalgia. Why do painful calluses (IPKs) develop? IPKs develop in areas of high pressure secondary to the foot structure and biomechanics, another …
Peroneal Tendon Tears
What are the peroneal tendons? The peroneal tendons consist of the peroneus longus and brevis which are located on the lateral side of your ankle and connect to the base of the 5th metatarsal and base of the 1st metatarsal/medial cuneiform. The function of the peroneus muscles and tendons are to evert/stabilize your ankle and plantar flex the 1st metatarsal. …
Stingray Sting and Injury
What treatment should you do after being immediately stung by a sting ray? If you are someone is comfortable with removing the stingray stinger, make sure to remove it slowly and carefully. Breaking the stinger into the wound will make it more difficult to remove in the future. If you feel uncomfortable with removing the stinger you can seek medical …
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that mainly attacks the joints. Overtime if the rheumatoid arthritis is not controlled it can cause chronic severe pain, erosion of joints, and deformity. A common board question related to RA is to check the cervical spine prior to surgical intervention. How are the symptoms of …
Accessory Navicular Syndrome (os tibiale externum)
What is an accessory navicular? An accessory navicular is an extra bone that someone is born with a birth and is attached to the navicular. The Classification for accessory naviculars is by Geist: Type 1 is a bone embedded in the posterior tibial tendon, type 2 is attached to the navicular by a fibrocartilaginous connection, and a type 3 is …
Os Trigonum Syndrome
What is the Os Trigonum? The Os Trigonum in an extra bone that can develop behind the ankle joint behind the talus. This accessory bone is connected to the talus by a fibrous band and is present at birth. It can be present in either one or both ankles. What is Os Trigonum Syndrome? Most people with an os trigonum …
Achilles Rupture: Operative vs. Nonoperative Treatment
What is an achilles rupture? The achilles tendon is formed by the gastrocnemius and soleus tendon and inserts into the back of the heel (calcaneus bone). The achilles tendon is the major tendon involved in bending the ankle down (plantar flexion) and allowing the foot to push off the ground. Why is it important to treat an achilles rupture? If …
Compression Socks or Stockings
What are compression socks? Compression socks are stretchable socks/stockings that apply gentle higher pressure from the foot to a lower pressure at the calf to promote blood flow and decrease swelling. Compression socks come in various pressure measured in units of mm Hg from light 8-15 mm Hg, mild 15-20 mm Hg, moderate 20-30 mm Hg, and firm 30-40 mm …
Chilblains of the toes (pernio)
What is chilblains of the toes? Chilblains is a painful inflammation of the small blood vessels of the skin caused by cold temperatures and damp environment. What does chilblains of the toe look like? The toes can become red, swollen, itchy and painful. Red to purple soft tissue discoloration of the toes can appear and possibly become blisters. The symptoms …