Self-Guided Foot Care

Metatarsalgia is a generic term used to describe non-specific forefoot pain in the region of the metatarsal bones. Most clinicians agree that metatarsalgia is actually pain from the metatarsal bones that... (read more)

Metatarsal fractures present in two basic categories: stress fractures and traumatic fractures. Metatarsal stress fractures occur as the result of repetitive load applied to the bone in an amount or at... (read more)

The terms heel spur and heel spur syndrome describe a condition more commonly called plantar fasciitis. For more information on heel pain, please follow the link to plantar fasciitis. Last Update: December... (read more)

Hallux rigidus is the term used to describe end-stage limited range of motion of the great toe joint. Hallux rigidus is the final stage (stage 4) of hallux limitus. Hallux limitus is a progressive degenerative... (read more)

Hallux limitus describes a condition where the hallux (great toe) is limited in its range of motion at the metatarsal phalangeal joint. This limited range of motion results in pain of the 1st metatarsal... (read more)

Haglund's deformity is the term used to describe an enlargement of the posterior/lateral heel. Haglund's deformity also goes by the name of Haglund's disease and pump bump. Most clinicians agree that Haglund's... (read more)

Gout is a form of crystal deposition arthritis, hence the name gouty arthritis. Uric acid, a chemical that is found in the serum component of our blood, and a by-product of protein metabolism, is the key... (read more)

Freiberg's infraction is an ischemic condition specific to the lesser metatarsal heads, most commonly the second metatarsal. Also known as avascular necrosis or AVN, Freiberg's infraction results in a... (read more)

Cuboid syndrome refers to the disruption (subluxation) of the normal function of the calcaneal-cuboid joint (CC joint). Cuboid syndrome is somewhat obscure and poorly defined in the literature. Poorly-defined... (read more)

Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus, is a relatively common congenital malformation occurring in approximately 1:1000 births. The term talipes equinovarus describes a deformity in which the newborn's... (read more)

Charcot joints occur when the ability to sense deep pain is diminished or lost. As a result of the inability to sense pain, small fractures begin to develop in bone subject to mechanical stress. The normal... (read more)

Capsulitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the outer lining of the joint called the joint capsule. Capsulitis can occur at any joint in the human body. In the foot, capsulitis is commonly found... (read more)