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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Plantar Fibroma (Ledderhose disease)

What is a plantar fibroma? It is a hard mass that grows in the plantar fascia and can range from 1 to multiple nodules. Plantar fibromas are benign, slow growing, and are symptomatic when they are large enough to cause pain from pressure of walking and standing.  What are the causes of plantar fibromas? The exact cause of developing plantar …

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 …