What is a Hammer Toe? Hammer toe is a common foot deformity characterized by an abnormal bend in one or more of the smaller toes. Typically, this condition affects the second, third, or fourth toe. The deformity resembles a hammer, as the affected toe bends downward at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a…
Introduction It’s not uncommon after a long day to notice your fingers feeling stuffed like sausages or your ankles resembling those of a cankle model. You slip off your shoes and are startled to see your feet ballooned up – they barely resemble their normal size and shape. What’s behind this pooling of fluids in…
Overview The ankle is one of the most versatile and hardworking joints in the human body. It smoothly adjusts with each step to absorb shock, adapt to uneven terrain, and provide the stability and mobility necessary for activities from walking to jumping. Comprised of an intricate network of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and…
Introduction Bone spurs are bony protrusions on the underside of the heel bone caused by a buildup of calcium. On an X-ray, a bone spur may extend up to half an inch forward. In cases where no detectable X-ray evidence is present, the condition is sometimes called “Bone spur syndrome.” Bone spurs can hurt the…
After an ankle sprain, it is necessary to start doing exercises again as soon as you can. You may be stiff and sore, but the sooner you get it moving, the faster you will recover, and the better you will avoid further injury. Range-of-motion exercises and simple stretching should be started first. Next, proceed to…
What is Plantar Fibroma? A plantar fibroma refers to a fibrous nodule within the arch of the foot, nestled within the plantar fascia, a tissue band stretching from the heel to the toes on the underside of the foot. This benign (nonmalignant) condition can manifest in either one or both feet and typically persists or…
Introduction Foot and ankle orthoses AFOs are external biomechanical devices that are used on the lower limbs to enhance gait and the physical functioning of the diseased lower limb by stabilizing the joints. By providing foot clearance, limiting or assisting ankle and foot ROM, such as dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, improving balance, lowering the risk…
What is a Hemiepiphysiodesis? Hemiepiphysiodesis is a surgical procedure performed on growing bones to correct angular deformities, typically in the long bones of the legs, such as the femur and tibia. This procedure involves the partial growth plate arrest, which aims to guide the growth of the bone in a more desirable direction, thereby correcting…
What is a Bunion? A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a painful and unsightly bony protuberance that typically forms on the inner side of the foot, specifically at the joint of the big toe. Bunions often result from the gradual misalignment of the big toe, causing it to drift towards the smaller toes…
What is a Tailor’s Bunion? A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a foot deformity that affects the base of the fifth toe, or the pinky toe. Similar to a regular bunion that occurs at the base of the big toe, a tailor’s bunion is characterized by the protrusion of the bone and…
