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 …
Dry Cracked Heels – Heel Fissures
What is a dry cracked heel? A painful dry cracked heel is called a fissure. A fissure occurs when the callus becomes thick, dry and then a crack in the skin forms. The fissures can be painful since it is an open wound and lots of pressure is placed on the heel when walking. Fissures typically heal, but can be …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Compression Socks or Stockings
What are compression socks? Compression socks are stretchable socks/stockings that apply gentle higher pressure from the foot to a lower pressure at the calf to promote blood flow and decrease swelling. Compression socks come in various pressure measured in units of mm Hg from light 8-15 mm Hg, mild 15-20 mm Hg, moderate 20-30 mm Hg, and firm 30-40 mm …
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? …
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