What is a plantar fibroma? It is a hard mass that grows in the plantar fascia and can range from 1 to multiple nodules. Plantar fibromas are benign, slow growing, and are symptomatic when they are large enough to cause pain from pressure of walking and standing. What are the causes of plantar fibromas? The exact cause of developing plantar …
Stress fracture of Metatarsal
What are the metatarsals? There are 5 long, skinny bones in the foot called the metatarsals that connect the tarsal bones to the toes. What is a stress fracture? A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by overuse and repetitive activity. This occurs most commonly in runners and athletes. What are the risk factors factors? …
Webbed Toes or syndactyly
What is webbed toes? Webbed toes is a condition that people are born with when two or more toes are partially or fully connected by a flexible skin bridge or bony fusion. Webbed toes are seen in 1 in 2000 births and most commonly occur between the 2nd and 3rd toe. Tibial syndactyly is between the 1st and 2nd toe, Central …
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
What is the posterior tibial muscle? The posterior tibial muscle is the primary dynamic supporter of the foot arch. The muscle is responsible for inverting the rearfoot, adducting/supinating the forefoot, and plantarflexing the ankle. It’s major antagonist is the peroneus previous and activation of the PTT locks the transverse tarsal joint causing the foot to be a rigid lever arm …
Urea cream
What is Urea cream? Urea is a natural substance made in the body to help with the metabolism and excretion of nitrogen. Scientist have learned to synthesize it and it is used for many different purposes. Urea cream typically ranges from 2% to 40% in potency and is used to help soften thick layers of skin and nails, also it …
Toenail Fungus – Onychomycosis or tinea unguium
What is toenail fungus? People can develop an infection of their toenails by from different types of fungus, mold, or yeast ( dermatophytes – trichophyton, candida) . The fungus can infect multiple parts of the nail unit including the nail bed and/or plate What are the types of toenail fungus? There are 4 main types of toenail fungus: distal subungual, …
Toe Fracture
What bones make up the toes of the foot? The foot has 14 toe bones: 3 bones in toes 2-5 the distal, middle, and proximal phalanx. The big toe has 2 bones: the distal and proximal phalanx. What are the causes of toe fractures? The cause of toe fractures are trauma, whether by direct blow or impact. Most commonly people …
Turf Toe
What is Turf Toe? Turf toe is a hyperextension injury to the big toe joint (1st metatarsal phalangeal joint) with damage to the plantar plate and sesamoid complex. There is a sprain/tear to the ligaments of the joint with possible damage to the sesamoid bones. The tear of the ligaments typically occur off the proximal phalanx. What are the grades …
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome of the Foot
What is the tarsal tunnel? The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the inside of the ankle that contains the Tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, Tibial artery,Tibial Vein Tibial nerve, flexor hallucinating longus. These structures are covered by the flexor retinaculum (laciniate ligament) that extends from the medial malleolus to the calcaneus. What is tarsal tunnel syndrome? Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the compression of …
Jones Fracture of the foot
What is a Jones Fracture? A Jones Fracture is located at the 5th metatarsal, specifically at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction. The fracture occurs in an area called vascular watershed meaning low blood supply. How to diagnosis a Jones Fracture? The area around the base of the 5th metatarsal will usually have swelling, bruising, and be tender to the touch. Xrays are …