Sesamoid Injuries in the Foot
Understanding the Role of Sesamoids in Foot Function To fully grasp sesamoid injuries, it’s essential to know what sesamoids are. These are bones that are enveloped within tendons and are prevalent in multiple joints throughout the body. In a typical foot, there are two sesamoid bones, resembling peas in shape, situated in the foot’s ball, […]
Running and Track Injuries to the Foot and Ankle
Whether you’re pounding the pavement at dawn, racing on a track, or jogging through your neighborhood, running is an elemental exercise that speaks to our primal roots. The simple act of propelling oneself forward, one foot in front of the other, has endured as a staple of athletic competition and personal fitness. However, this seemingly […]
RICE Protocol: The Essential Guide to Managing Foot and Ankle Injuries
Experiencing a foot or ankle injury can be both painful and frustrating, but knowing the proper steps to take immediately after can make all the difference in your recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s just had an unfortunate misstep, the RICE protocol remains a widely recommended first aid response. Let’s […]
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints. RA predominantly targets the lining (or synovium) of joints, often affecting the hands and feet. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the involved joints. Persistent inflammation may cause cartilage and bone damage, potentially […]
Unlocking the Mystery of Restless Legs Syndrome
Are you familiar with that inexplicable urge to move your legs while you’re trying to drift off to sleep or when sitting for extended periods? You’re not alone—this phenomenon, known as Restless Legs, is a condition that plagues countless individuals, leading to discomfort and disrupting daily life. Let’s delve into what Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) […]
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
What Are the Peroneal Tendons? To fully understand peroneal tendon injuries, comprehending the function of peroneal tendons is crucial. Tendons are tissues that link muscles to bones. Located behind the outer ankle bone, the foot has two peroneal tendons running parallel to each other. One tendon connects to the outside of the midfoot, and the […]
Understanding Os Trigonum Syndrome
What Exactly Is an Os Trigonum? An os trigonum is an additional bone found occasionally behind the talus, or ankle bone, linked to it via a fibrous connection. This extra bone is congenitally present, meaning individuals are born with it. It usually becomes apparent during the teenage years when a section of the talus doesn’t […]
Understanding Lisfranc Joint Injuries
What Is the Lisfranc Joint? The Lisfranc joint serves as the meeting point for the metatarsal bones, which extend to the toes, and the tarsal bones located in the foot’s arch. It’s fortified by the Lisfranc ligament, a robust tissue connecting these bones to ensure the joint’s proper alignment and strength. Causes of Lisfranc Injuries […]
Toe and Metatarsal Fractures (Broken Toes)
Fractures of the toes and metatarsal bones can be painful and significant injuries. The foot is a complex structure comprised of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues, with a total of 28 bones, including 19 toe bones (phalanges) and metatarsal bones (the long bones in the midfoot). These fractures, whether in the toes or […]
Equinus: Ankle Joint Restriction & Foot Complications Treatment
What Is Equinus? Equinus refers to a condition where the upward bending motion of the ankle joint is restricted. Those with equinus lack the flexibility to bring the top of the foot towards the front of the leg. It can affect one or both feet, with one foot often experiencing more limited movement than the […]
Custom Orthotic Devices
The Precision and Benefits of Custom Orthotic Devices Custom orthotic devices are specialized medical aids custom-prescribed by professionals specializing in foot and ankle health, such as foot and ankle surgeons. Serving as more than merely shoe inserts, custom orthotics are meticulously crafted to provide individualized support and corrective alignment for the feet and lower extremities. […]
Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines
Diabetic foot care when living with diabetes is crucial, given the potential risks associated with even minor injuries. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage, causing a loss of sensation in your feet, and it can also impede blood flow, making it difficult for wounds to heal and infections to be resisted. Consequently, the presence of […]
Capsulitis of the Second Toe
What Is Capsulitis of the Second Toe? Capsulitis of the second toe is a condition that affects the ligaments surrounding the joint at the base of the second toe. These ligaments form a capsule that plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the toe joint. In capsulitis, these ligaments become inflamed, most commonly […]
Diabetes Complications and Amputation Prevention
People living with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing foot problems, primarily due to two common diabetes-related complications: nerve damage, known as neuropathy, and poor circulation. Neuropathy can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet, making it challenging to detect pain or discomfort, which can prevent the timely identification of injuries […]
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
What Is PTTD? Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) arises from alterations in the posterior tibial tendon, a crucial support structure for the foot during walking. This condition results in the loss of its ability to uphold the arch, leading to a flattening of the foot. Often referred to as adult-acquired flatfoot, PTTD is the most […]