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 …

Ankle Arthritis

What is ankle arthritis? Ankle arthritis develops when the ankle joint looses cartilage. The ankle joint space narrows with worsening pain and loss of range of motion.  What causes ankle arthritis? Most common cause of ankle is post-traumatic arthritis and other causes are primary osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, septic joint, gout, and hemophilia.  What are the signs of ankle arthritis? …

Bruise underneath the toenail (subungual hematoma)

What is a bruise underneath a nail?  A bruise underneath a toenail can be caused from either acute injury or repetitive micro trauma that causes blood vessels to burst. A bruise underneath a nail is a dark discoloration underneath that nail that is harmless, but often is thought to be possible melanoma. What are the complications of an injury to …

Over The Counter (OTC) Insert

What is an over the counter insert? An OTC insert is a prefabricated insert that is sold by companies to help treat a different variety of foot pathology What are the different type of OTC inserts? Inserts are broken down into two categories: Accommodative vs Functional. A accommodative insert is a gel or foam type of insert that helps support …

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 …

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 …

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 …