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 …

Ingrown Toenail

What is an ingrown nail? An ingrown nail is when the nail grows into the skin causing irritation, which can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and infection. The toe can become infected if the nail causes a break in the skin and allows bacteria to enter.   What are the causes of an ingrown toenail ? An ingrown toenail can …

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) of the Leg

What is a DVT of the leg? A DVT is a blood clot that form in the veins of the lower leg. A DVT is considered a medical emergency because the clot can break loose and travel to your lungs causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is when a blood clot gets lodged into your lung and can cause …

Bunions

What are Bunions? Bunions are bumps that develop at the base of the big toe joint. These bumps are bony growths that can become worse over time without treatment or self-care. When bunions fail to improve with self-care measures, surgery might be an option for patients to consider. What are the Signs of a Bunion? Bunions appear as bumps on …

Plantar Foot Warts – Plantar Verrucae

What are foot warts? Warts are human papilloma virus (HPV – DNA virus) that live in the skin layer of the foot, specifically the epidermis. Most common strains of HPV that affect the hands are 1, 2, 4, and 10. Warts that grow together in clusters are called mosaic warts. What  causes foot warts? Warts are transmitted through direct contact …

Osteomyelitis in Foot and Ankle (OM)

What is osteomyelitis? Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone with progressive inflammatory destruction.  What  causes osteomyelitis? There are many ways a bone can develop an infection, but are mainly categorized into hematogenous (from the blood), contiguous spread (from the surrounding tissue), or direct inoculation ( bacteria being put on the bone).  How to diagnose osteomyelitis? Depending on the cause …

Osteochondral defect of talus (OCD/OLT)

What is an OCD of the talus? An ostechondral defect (OCD) is damage to to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus causing ankle pain. The talus is a bone in the ankle joint that articulates with the tibia and fibula. What  causes an OCD of the talus? Typically OCDs are caused by acute traumatic event such as an …

Hallux Rigidus/Hallux Limitus

Hallux rigidus (hallux limitus)  What is Hallux rigidus? Hallux rigidus is the development of arthritis in the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint, which over time leads to limited range of motion and pain. Hallux rigidus is a progressive condition, so over time you will develop more joint stiffness and pain.  What  causes hallux rigidus? Typically hallux rigidus is caused by a biomechanical/structural …