What Is Equinus? Equinus is a condition in which the upward bending motion of the ankle joint is limited. Someone with equinus lacks the flexibility to bring the top of the foot toward the front of the leg. Equinus can occur in one or both feet. When it involves both feet, the limitation of motion is sometimes worse in one foot than in the other. People with equinus develop ways to compensate for their limited ankle motion, and this often leads to
Accessory Navicular Syndrome What Is the Accessory Navicular? The accessory navicular (os navicularum or os tibiale externum) is an extra bone or piece of cartilage located on the inner side of the foot just above the arch. It is incorporated within the posterior tibial tendon, which attaches in this area. An accessory navicular is congenital (present at birth). It is not part of normal bone structure and therefore is not present in most people. What Is Accessory Navicular Syndrome? People who have an accessory navicular
Tarsal Coalition 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 tarsal bones include the calcaneus (heel bone), talus, navicular, cuboid and cuneiform bones. These bones work together to provide the motion necessary for normal foot function. Causes Most often, tarsal coalition
Pediatric Flatfoot: Cause for Alarm? Parents keep a close eye on their growing children, watching for proper development and being alert for any sign of a problem because small problems can have big implications. Pediatric flatfoot is a childhood condition that, if left untreated, can result in permanent deformity in adulthood. Flatfoot deformity makes mobility and exercise painful, increasing the risk of reduced cardiovascular health and obesity. Parents never want their child to undergo a surgical procedure. But uncorrected symptomatic flatfoot can
Lisfranc Injuries What Is the Lisfranc Joint? The Lisfranc joint is the point at which the metatarsal bones (long bones that lead up to the toes) and the tarsal bones (bones in the arch) connect. The Lisfranc ligament is a tough band of tissue that joins two of these bones. This is important for maintaining proper alignment and strength of the joint. How Do Lisfranc Injuries Occur? Injuries to the Lisfranc joint most commonly occur in automobile accident victims, military personnel, runners, horseback riders,
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome 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. One of these structures is the posterior tibial nerve, which is the focus of tarsal tunnel syndrome. What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome? Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on
Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal 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. A small piece of bone is pulled off the main portion of the bone by a tendon or ligament. This type of fracture is the result of an injury in which the ankle gives way. Avulsion fractures
What Is the Achilles Tendon? The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground. What Is an Achilles Tendon Rupture? An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch
What is Achilles shortening? This is a shortening of the tendoachilles at the back of your heel and Calf. This causes walking to be painful and running to be very difficult. Although it is more common in children it can also occur in adults. Causes There are several causes for this disorder. In children it can occur as a part of other congenital abnormalities of the foot and leg. Although it might not be apparent except after walking age of the child. It
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis? The blood supply of the leg is transported by arteries and veins. The arteries carry blood from the heart to the limbs; veins carry blood back to the heart. The leg contains superficial veins, which are close to the surface, and deep veins, which lie much deeper in the leg. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (a blockage) forms in a deep vein. While these clots