My Orthopaedic Surgeon

Problems that affect the achilles tendon are common among active middle aged people. These problems cause pain at the back of the calf, and may result in a rupture of the Achilles tendon in severe cases.

An ankle sprain is a common injury and usually results when the ankle is twisted, or inverted. The term sprain signifies injury to the soft tissues, usually the ligaments, of the ankle.

Hallux Valgus is a condition which affects the joint at the base of the big toe. The condition is commonly called a bunion. The bunion actually refers to the bump that grows on the side of the first metatarsophalangeal(MTP) joint. In reality, the condition is much more complex than a simple bump on the side of the toe.

A bunionette is similar to a bunion, but on the outside of the foot. It is sometimes referred to as a tailor's bunion due to the fact that tailors once sat cross legged all day with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This produced a pressure area and callus at the bottom of the fifth toe.

The hammertoe deformity usually consists of a hyperflexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Clawing of the lesser toes is a combination of the hammertoe deformity, plus hyperextension of the metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) joint.

Hallux Rigidus is a degenerative-type arthritis condition that affects the large joint at the base of the great toe. A degenerative arthritis is a condition which results from wear and tear on the joint surface over time. The condition may follow an injury to the joint or, in some cases, may arise without a well defined injury.

Ingrown toenail is a condition that most commonly affects the hallux, or big toe. This condition usually results when pressure from improper shoewear, and improper care of the toenails leads to pain and hypertrophy (or overgrowth) of the tissue at the side of the nail.

A Morton's Neuroma, (sometimes called a Morton's toe), is a condition that causes pain in the foot due to a swelling, or tumor, of one of the small nerves of the foot.

Osteochondritis dessicans is a problem which causes pain and stiffness of the ankle joint. It can occur in all age groups.

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that is sometimes called a heel spur. This condition causes pain on the bottom of the heel when putting weight on the foot. There are probably many underlying causes of heel pain, and some physicians feel that it is probably more accurate to simply make a diagnosis of heel pain rather than try and define an absolute cause in every instance of heel pain.

Because we use our feet continuously, tendonitis in the foot is a common problem. One of the most frequently affected tendons is the posterior tibial tendon.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs from abnormal pressure on the posterior tibial nerve. The condition is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist. The condition is somewhat uncommon, and can be difficult to diagnose.

Patient Information from TheMediWeb site (London England) Written for patients being admitted for the operation.

AAOS Online Service Fact SheetAchilles tendon