An avulsion fracture occurs when an overly stressed tendon or ligament breaks from its attachment point on the bone and pulls a small piece of bone along with it. Younger athletes are more susceptible to this type of injury since their bones aren’t fully developed and are more fragile. It is also a common injury […]
As everyone likely knows, blisters are small skin sacs that are filled with a clear fluid. Blisters form as a natural reaction to rubbing and friction and people who wear tight or poorly fitting shoes are more likely to get blisters on their feet. For patients with diabetes, blisters need to be found and treated […]
The tarsal tunnel is a relatively hollow space inside the ankle that is a conduit for the nerves, veins, arteries, and tendons that pass through the area. A major nerve that supplies the foot called the posterior tibial nerve travels through the tunnel. When it becomes pinched or compressed from stress, pressure, or disease it […]
Your feet and ankles are often one of the first places that exhibit signs of other health issues, and your podiatrist can learn a lot about your overall health problems during a comprehensive exam. Heart and circulatory problems like artery disease and diabetes will often show signs first in your extremities. Other foot anomalies that […]
While the hammertoe deformity is thought to be largely inherited, there are a number of risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing them. Wearing high-heeled or tight fitting shoes that force your toes into the front of the shoe is a major contributor, and people who have arch problems, arthritis, and toe injuries […]
Having flat feet is a common problem and for some people the condition doesn’t produce any major symptoms. For many individuals, however, having an unsupported arch can give rise to a host of other problems including knee, hip, and back pain. Flat feet are usually inherited but in some cases, the condition is caused or […]
The plantar fascia is the wide, flexible, connective tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot between the toes and the heel. When this tender arch tissue becomes overly stretched and stressed from work, exercise, and sporting activities, tiny tears can develop that weaken the overall structure eventually causing severe pain in the arch, […]
Ankle sprains often happen during exercise and sporting activities and just taking one wrong step while crossing the street can cause an ankle sprain. If the injury isn’t too bad, your ankle will get better with the RICE method (see below). For severe sprains, always see your foot doctor to ensure proper treatment and to […]
The pump bump, or Haglund’s deformity as it is sometimes called, is a painful, bony protrusion that grows on the back of the heel. People who wear high-heeled shoes and high-backed leather work boots are susceptible to this condition, which forms as a response to the continuous pressure on the back of the heel that […]
Running is a very popular activity in the summer and all it takes is a decent pair of athletic shoes and a nice place to go for a run. While running is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, repetitive stress and pressure can contribute to problems with your feet and ankles including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and […]
