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 …
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 …
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 …
Equinus of the Foot and Ankle
What is equinus? Equinus is a condition with limited dorsiflexion/up wards bending of the ankle joint. People with equinus are unable to bend there ankle joint past about 90 degrees, typically people are supposed to get an additional 10 degrees. What are the causes of equinus? Equinus is typically caused by a tight achilles tendon that is formed from the …
Lisfranc Injury of the Foot
What is a Lisfranc injury? A lisfranc injury is a disruption between the tarsometarsal joint complex specifically damage to the lisfranc ligament that connects the medial cuneiform to the 2nd metatarsal. How to diagnose a Lisfranc injury? X-rays are typically used to diagnose lisfranc injuries and specifically attention is paid to a widening of the gap between the medical cuneiform …
Bunionette – “Tailor’s Bunion” of the foot
What is a Tailor’s Bunion? A tailor’s bunion is a painful bony prominence on lateral aspect of the 5th met head. The pain from a Tailor’s bunion is caused by the large bony prominence that is rubbing against shoe wear and/or a painful bursa formation. How to diagnose a Tailor’s Bunion? A tailor’s bunion can be seen clinically and X-rays …
Flat Feet (pes planus) or Fallen Arches
What is a flat foot? A flat foot is a decrease in the medial arch of your foot, which can be congenital or acquired. An acquired flat foot is called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which occurs over time as the posterior tibial tendon undergoes damage and decreases in function. How to diagnose a flatfoot? A flat foot can be diagnosed …
Plantar Fasciitis
What is the plantar fascia? The plantar fascia is layer of connective tissue that originates at the heel bone (calcaneus) and extends towards your toes. The plantar fascia is important for maintaining the stability of the foot arch. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia through repetitive micro trauma that causes tears and may lead …
Ganglion Cyst of the Foot
What is a ganglion cyst? A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with clear thick fluid that originates from the tendon sheath or joint capsule. Fun fact they are also known as a “Bible bump” because people used flat books to flatten and explode the cysts. The most commonly used book was the bible. What are the causes the causes …