Although golf doesn’t involve running or jumping, injuries do occur to the foot and ankle. Golfers should be aware of the following risks: Heel pain (or plantar fasciitis) can be exacerbated by excessive walking on the golf course.  The golf swing can also place stress upon the feet and

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Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or, rarely, a cyst. Because there are several potential

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Sizing Crutches Even if you’ve already been fitted for crutches, make sure your crutch pads and handgrips are set at the proper distance, as follows: Crutch pad distance from armpits: The crutch pads (tops of crutches) should be 1½" to 2" (about two finger widths) below the armpits, with the

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What is a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture? Fractures (breaks) are common in the fifth metatarsal – the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe. Two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal are:   Avulsion fracture. In an avulsion fracture, a small

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The running and side to side cutting in lacrosse are common causes of injuries to the foot and ankle. Lacrosse players should be aware of the following risks:  Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.  Ankle

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Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can be spread through the skin or open wound contact and is known to cause serious illness and infection if contracted. In recent years, certain types of staph bacteria, such as drug-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), have become

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Custom orthotics are medical devices prescribed by a foot and ankle surgeon. These shoe inserts, which support and align the foot and lower extremities, are formed by making a plaster mold of the foot. Additional valuable information: Pedatric Flatfoot Heel Pain PTTD Flexible Flatfoot

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What is Peripheral Arterial Disease? Commonly referred to as “poor circulation,” Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg. When arteries become narrowed by plaque (the accumulation of cholesterol and other materials on the walls of the arteries),

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Rugby is hard on the feet and ankles! Injuries can occur from running and cutting, direct trauma during tackling, and during the scrum. Rugby players should be aware of the following risks: Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon

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Whether an athlete is a recreational, competitive, or elite runner, foot and ankle health is essential for optimal performance. Runners are susceptible to overuse injuries including heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, neuromas, capsulitis of the second toe, stress

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Arch supports and shoe inserts are devices that are placed inside of shoes to support and align the foot and lower extremities (knees, hips, and lower back), thus preventing the progression of a foot deformity, improving the function of the foot, and diminishing or eliminating pain. These devices can

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Soccer is hard on the feet! Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur from running and side to side cutting, sliding or tackling, and from striking the ball or another player with the foot. Soccer players should be aware of the following risks: Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments,

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What is a Soft Tissue Biopsy? A soft tissue biopsy is the removal and microscopic examination of a small sample of soft tissue for diagnostic purposes. “Soft tissue” includes the skin, fat, muscle, and tendons that surround, connect, or support other tissues or organs.   Soft tissue biopsies

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Your feet and ankles take a beating when you’re playing softball. Softball players should be aware of the following risks: Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent

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Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can be spread through the skin or open wound contact and is known to cause serious illness and infection if contracted. In recent years, certain types of staph bacteria, such as drug-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), have become

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Stress fractures are tiny, hairline breaks that can occur in the bones of the foot. They can be caused by overtraining or overuse, improper training habits or surfaces, improper shoes, flatfoot or other foot deformities, and even osteoporosis. These tiny breaks in the bones of the feet can lead to a

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Swelling of the ankles may be due to many factors, including trauma, infection, tumor, varicose veins, improper function of the lymphatic system, poor circulation, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, to name a few.  The foot and ankle surgeon will recommend treatment based on examination and

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What is a Tarsal Coalition? A tarsal coalition is an abnormal connection that develops between two bones in the back of the foot (the tarsal bones). This abnormal connection, which can be composed of bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue, may lead to limited motion and pain in one or both feet.   The

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What Is the Tarsal Tunnel? The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that lies on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones. The tunnel is covered with a thick ligament (the flexor retinaculum) that protects and maintains the structures contained within the tunnel—arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves.

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Tennis involves a great deal of foot work. Foot and ankle injuries can occur from the continuous side to side and quick stopping and starting motions required in this sport. The playing surface also plays a role, as hard courts are less forgiving compared to clay courts. Tennis players should be aware

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The structure of the foot is complex, consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Of the 26 bones in the foot, 19 are toe bones (phalanges) and metatarsal bones (the long bones in the midfoot). Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones are common and require evaluation by a specialist.

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Ulcers, which are open sores in the skin, occur when the outer layers of the skin are injured and the deeper tissues become exposed. They can be caused by excess pressure due to ill-fitting shoes, long periods in bed, or after an injury that breaks the skin. Ulcers are commonly seen in patients who have

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Ulcers, which are open sores in the skin, occur when the outer layers of the skin are injured and the deeper tissues become exposed. They can be caused by excess pressure due to ill-fitting shoes, long periods in bed, or after an injury that breaks the skin. Ulcers are commonly seen in patients who have

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The repetitive jumping and side to side movements required in volleyball increase the risk of injuries to the foot and ankle. Volleyball players should be aware of the following: Inversion ankle sprains are a common injury in this sport. Ankle sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon

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Weak ankles may be a result of previous ankle injuries, but in some cases they are a congenital (at birth) condition. The ankles are sore, and “give way” easily while standing, walking, or doing other activities. When an ankle is injured, it may take a few weeks to many months to fully heal. Often,

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