The Northwest Extremity Specialists are committed to patient education. Fully understanding podiatric or orthopedic condition helps you make confident, informed decisions regarding your treatment and care. Although there is no substitute for an in-person appointment with a specialist, we happily offer our extensive online library of podiatry and orthopedic articles as a resource and service to our patients, as well as the general public.
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Ganglion CystA ganglion cyst is a sac filled with a jellylike fluid that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump that forms below the surface of the skin.
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Toe and Metatarsal Fractures (Broken toes)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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Sesamoid Injuries in the FootSesamoid injuries can involve the bones, tendons, and/or surrounding tissue in the joint. They are often associated with activities requiring increased pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running, basketball, football, golf, tennis, and ballet.
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Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a condition caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch. This results in flattening of the foot.
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Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)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 are similar in symptoms and causes.
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Tarsal CoalitionA tarsal coalition is an abnormal connection that develops between two bones in the back of the foot (the tarsal bones).
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Fractures of the Calcaneus (Heel Bone Fractures)Most calcaneal fractures are the result of a traumatic event—most commonly, falling from a height, such as a ladder, or being in an automobile accident where the heel is crushed against the floorboard.
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GoutGout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint. It most often affects the joint of the big toe.
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Lisfranc InjuriesInjuries to the Lisfranc joint most commonly occur in automobile accident victims, military personnel, runners, horseback riders, football players and participants of other contact sports, or something as simple as missing a step on a staircase.
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Morton’s Neuroma (Intermetatarsal Neuroma)A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes.
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Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.)Commonly referred to as “poor circulation,” Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg.
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Talar Dome LesionTalar dome lesions are usually caused by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. If the cartilage doesn’t heal properly following the injury, it softens and begins to break off. Sometimes a broken piece of the damaged cartilage and bone will “float” in the ankle.