Category: Foot & Ankle

The term bunion refers to a fairly common foot deformity composed of prominence of the medial forefoot that is associated with lateral deviation and sometimes rotation of the great toe toward the lesser toes.

Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis is an extremely common clinical entity seen in the practice of many medical and surgical disciplines. Resolution of this painful condition can be accomplished in 95% of cases with nonoperative care, the cornerstone of which is an aggressive heel cord and plantar fascial stretching regimen.

Distal osteotomies of the first metatarsal will usually only achieve satisfactory correction of a first intermetatarsal angle if it is less than or equal to about 15 degrees. One would have to imply different techniques for deformities with angles greater than this.

Inspect feet daily watching for blisters, cracks, calluses, inflamed areas, fungus infection, signs of shoe pressure, and signs of injury such as cuts, bruises, and skin breakdown between the toes. Wash feet daily with mild soap in tepid water and a soft brush.

The single-axis subtalar joint is a hinge joining the talus and calcaneus. This joint allows the human foot to readily adapt to uneven terrain, modifies the forces of ambulation imposed upon the rest of the skeleton, and influences the performance of the more distal foot articulations as well.

With regard to fractures of the proximal diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal, controversies exist regarding the importance of the acuity or chronicity of prodromal symptoms, the incidence and potential cause of delayed unions and nonunions of this portion of the bone, as well as determining the most optimal method of treatment.

Delayed problems after calcaneus fracture can result from inadequate or inappropriate initial treatment. There may be problems after certain calcaneus fractures, however, regardless of the initial treatment, even if it is the most optimal.

There is a lot of confusion and misrepresentation about bunions in the world today, especially because this is such a common physical malady. The term bunion refers to a prominence at the inside aspect of the forefoot near the base of the big toe. The term bunion actually refers only to a prominence here, and the correct medical term is hallux valgus.