What Is the Calcaneus? The calcaneus, also called the heel bone, is a large bone that forms the foundation of the rear part of the foot. The calcaneus connects with the talus and cuboid bones. The connection between the talus and calcaneus forms the subtalar joint. This joint is important for normal foot function. The calcaneus is often compared to a hardboiled egg because it has a thin, hard shell on the outside and softer, spongy bone on the inside. When the
Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s Disease) What Is Calcaneal Apophysitis? Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old, because the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until at least age 14. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate (physis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. When there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop. Calcaneal apophysitis
Cavus Foot (High-Arched Foot) What Is Cavus Foot? Cavus foot is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch. Because of this high arch, an excessive amount of weight is placed on the ball and heel of the foot when walking or standing. Cavus foot can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as pain and instability. It can develop at any age and can occur in one or both feet. Causes Cavus foot is often caused by a
Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette) What Is a Tailor’s Bunion? Tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. The prominence that characterizes a tailor’s bunion occurs at the metatarsal head, located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Tailor’s bunions are not as common as bunions, which occur on the inside of the foot, but they
Toe and Metatarsal Fractures (Broken Toes) Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones are common and require evaluation by a specialist. A foot and ankle surgeon should be seen for proper diagnosis and treatment, even if initial treatment has been received in an emergency room. What Is a Fracture? A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into two categories: traumatic fractures and stress fractures. Traumatic fractures (also called acute fractures) are caused by a direct blow or impact. Traumatic
What Is Hallux Rigidus? Hallux rigidus is a disorder of the joint located at the base of the big toe. It causes pain and stiffness in the joint, and with time, it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe. Hallux rigidus is actually a form of degenerative arthritis. This disorder can be very troubling and even disabling since we use the big toe almost every time we walk or even stand. Many patients mistake hallux rigidus for a bunion, which affects the same
What Is a Puncture Wound? Puncture wounds are not the same as cuts. A puncture wound has a small entry hole caused by a pointed object, such as a nail that you have stepped on. In contrast, a cut is an open wound that produces a long tear in the skin. Puncture wounds require different treatment from cuts because these small holes in the skin can disguise serious injury. Puncture wounds are common in the foot, especially in warm weather when people
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 living with diabetes, neuropathy or vascular disease. Open wounds can put patients at increased risk of developing infection in the skin and bone. The signs and symptoms of
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, the injured ankle remains weaker and less stable than the uninjured one. A foot and ankle surgeon can assess ankle stability and may obtain medical imaging studies
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for strong bones. Inadequate vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, increased risk of falls, fractures and bone and muscle pain. In the foot and ankle, stress fractures of the metatarsal bones and ankle may be seen in those with vitamin D deficiency, as well as generalized foot pain. Vitamin D is naturally present in few foods but may be taken as a supplement. It is also produced by the body when exposed to the