Pain at the ball of the foot is very common and may be instigated by a variety of problems. Plantar plate injury or tear may be a cause of such pain. The plantar plates are firm fibrocartilaginous structures that are essential for the stability of metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Plantar plate tears are a type […]
A heloma molle is a soft callus or corn that commonly occurs at the fourth interdigital space, between the fourth and fifth digits. The callus may be located at other sites, depending on the anatomy and biomechanics of the individual. The callus may appear in the webbing of the interdigital space or on either side […]
Tibial stress syndrome, more commonly known as shin splints, is a common exercise-related problem. As we try to work out after a holiday season of indulgence, shin splints are something that may hinder people from keeping to their resolutions. Shin splints refers to nonspecific pain that occurs along the shin bone (tibia), usually on the […]
Pain underneath the great toe can be a result of injuries to the sesamoid bones. These 2 semilunar-shaped bones are located beneath the head of the 1stmetatarsal and function similarly to kneecaps. These small bones that play an important role in the functionality of your toes by helping to absorb weight-bearing pressure at the joint, […]
Gout, once known as a ‘disease of kings’ is making a resurgence. With the rise of obesity and a trend of low carb diets such as keto or paleo, the incidence of gout is increasing and its becoming more prevalent in a younger cohort. Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that is a result of excess […]
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is the result of inflammation at the growth plate of the heel in maturing children. Children’s bones continue to grow until the growth plates completely ossify or become solid. Once the growth plates close, bones stop growing in length. The heel bone, also known as calcaneus, continues to […]
Hallux rigidus is arthritis at the base of the big toe, at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The articular cartilage covering the ends of the bone can erode due to wear and tear or trauma, resulting in stiff and painful motion at the joint. A bony spur may develop at the tops of the bone, preventing full […]
A plantar fibroma may present as a small mass on the sole of the foot. Plantar fibromas are benign tumors that are found in the plantar fascial ligament of the foot. The plantar fascia is a ligament that supports the arch of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fibromas may […]
A neuroma is a result of a persistent benign fibrotic enlargement of a nerve. This may occur to digital nerves, between the toes. The most common neuroma occurs at the 3rdinterspace, known as Morton’s neuroma. The thickening of the nerve develops as a consequence of repetitive trauma or entrapment of the nerve. The pain from […]
Similar to carpal tunnel there is a lower extremity analog known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. The posterior tibial nerve courses behind the calf, through a fibrous canal known as the tarsal tunnel, near the heel, behind the medial malleolus. If inflammation occurs in the tissues adjacent to the tarsal tunnel, swelling can cause compression of […]
