Bone can strengthen over time in response to loading, the same way that, conversely, astronauts lose bone mass when the stress of gravity and walking is removed. Stress fractures occur when a cycle of...
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints and causes inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). Typically RA is a sy...
Plantar fasciitis is a common source of pain under the heel (Figure 1). The etiology of the condition is thought to be overuse, with traction and shear forces applied to the plantar fascia causing mic...
Fractures of the calcaneus and talus, collectively termed “hindfoot fractures” are typically caused by high-impact forces like falls or motor vehicle accidents. Calcaneus fractures are more common. Ta...
Ankle arthrosis most commonly occurs after a major traumatic ankle injury. A pilon fracture may cause arthrosis of the tibiotalar (ankle) joint; a depressed calcaneal fracture can cause subtalar arthr...
Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Patients typically describe an episode where they "roll their ankle" to one side (often inward, a so called "inversion" sprain (Figure...
Ankle fractures are breaks of the distal tibia or fibula (near or in the so-called malleolus) affecting the tibiotalar (ankle) joint. Occasionally, they involve the shaft of the fibula as well. Ankle...
The most common acute injury to the Achilles tendon is a complete rupture. This injury typically occurs in men in their 30s and 40s. The inciting event often is an athletic activity that requires a su...
The Achilles tendon is subject to high forces with each step and therefore subject to wear-and-tear damage. There are many pathological conditions that affect the Achilles tendon, but the most common...
A basic understanding of the biomechanics of the foot is essential to diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems. Most foot and ankle problems have a chronic component to them. A rope that is repetiti...
