Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

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 …

Heel Pressure Ulcers (decubitus ulcers or bed sores)

What are heel pressure ulcers? Heel pressure ulcers or sores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure to the skin. The pressure to the skin limits the blood flow to the skin, which eventually leads to a break down of the skin and formation of a wound.  How do you get pressure ulcers? Heel pressure …

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 …

Best Ankle braces

What is an ankle brace?  An ankle brace is an external device used to support an injured, weak, painful ankle. Most commonly ankle braces are worn after ankle sprains and can be used for people that have ankle or subtalar ankle arthritis.  How does an ankle brace work?  An ankle brace provides support by limiting the range of motion 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 …

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? …

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 …