Rearfoot/Heel

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)

Ganglionic cysts (ganglion cysts) are fluid-filled cysts that are common on the lateral aspect of the ankle and on the top of the foot. Clinicians and surgeons believe that ganglionic cysts are derived... (read more)

Cracked (fissured) heels are deep splits in the skin on the rim of the heel. Cracked heels are seen more commonly in the winter months when the air is dry. Cracked heels can be deep enough to bleed and... (read more)

Friction between the foot and the floor is important in walking and running. Friction allows us to stand in place without slipping and to push off during the normal gait cycle. Each step we take results... (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-Marie Tooth Disease (CMT) is an inherited neurological condition that results in muscle wasting of the lower legs, feet, and hands. CMT effects the peripheral nervous system and results in muscle... (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)

The formation of callus is a protective mechanism used by the skin to respond to external mechanical irritation. All skin is capable of forming callus. The most common locations for callus on the foot... (read more)

A broken heel bone is called a calcaneal fracture. There are many types of calcaneal fractures that are described by several calcaneal fracture classifications schemes. Treatment of a calcaneal fracture... (read more)

Bursitis describes an inflammatory tissue that forms in response to physical irritation or repetitive mechanical load to a specific area of the body. Bursitis is found throughout the body at locations... (read more)

Baxter's nerve entrapment refers to an entrapment of the calcaneal branch of the posterior tibial nerve (Baxter's nerve.) Baxter's entrapment results in plantar heel pain. Baxter's entrapment is typically... (read more)

Athlete's foot is the layman's term used to describe two different fungal infections of the foot collectively known as tinea pedis. Acute and chronic athlete's foot are caused by two different... (read more)