Spurs/Cheilectomy What it is The first joint of the big toe is called the metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTP joint) which bends with every step. The ends of the bone are covered with smooth cartilage. When the cartilage thins down, often from “wear and tear” or trauma, the ends of the bone can rub together. A … Continued

Neuromas What it is A neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of nerve tissue frequently found in the forefoot (front part of the foot, including toes) between the 3rd and 4th toes, counting from your big toe. A neuroma is also referred to as a “pinched nerve”. Normally, there are no lumps or other outward … Continued

First (Big) Toe Fusions What it is When the big (1st) toe has limited movement, up or down, it’s often associated with some form of arthritis – either isolated arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus) or part of a generalized arthritis of the foot (usually rheumatoid arthritis). Sometimes, the joint can be made more … Continued

Claw Toes/Hammer Toes What it is A claw toe is a condition where the toe looks like a claw. This appearance is caused by the bending or curling downward of the middle joint (PIP) and the tiny joint at the end of the toe (DIP). In addition, the joint where the toe meets the foot … Continued

Bunions What it is A bunion is a structural deformity of the joint at the base of the great – or big – toe. The more formal Latin term is hallux valgus which means a turning outward (valgus) of the big toe (hallux). The bone that the big toe attaches to, the 1st metatarsal, becomes … Continued

Ankle, Hindfoot & Midfoot Fusions What it is The foot has 3 subdivisions: Forefoot: front part of the foot, including toes. This bears half of the body’s weight. Midfoot: the foot’s arch that serves as a “shock absorber”. This is connected to the forefoot and the hindfoot by muscles and the plantar fascia (arch ligament). … Continued

Ankle Scopes What it is An ankle “scope” (also known as “arthroscopy”) involves the surgical evaluation and treatment of a joint for a variety of conditions. Arthroscopy is performed using tiny fibre optic cameras and surgical tools inserted into your ankle through much smaller incisions than in traditional surgery. Why it’s a problem The problems, … Continued

Ankle Replacement What it is An ankle replacement (also known as ankle arthroplasty) is a surgical operation in which portions of the bones that form the ankle joint – the tibia, fibula, and talus bones – are replaced with artificial components made from metal alloys and lightweight plastic. Why it’s necessary Ankle replacement surgery is … Continued

Ankle Ligament Reconstruction What it is The term “sprain” indicates that a ligament has been damaged. Sprains are divided into three groups, depending on the severity of the damage: Grade 1 (first degree): the most common sprain, requiring the least amount of treatment and recovery. The ligaments connecting the ankle bones are over-stretched and damaged … Continued

Ankle Fracture Fixation What it is The ankle is a hinge joint comprised of 3 bones: (1) the shin bone, tibia; (2) the other bone of the lower leg, fibula; and (3) the ankle bone, talus, at the top of the foot. Most ankles are fractured or broken (the terms are interchangeable) by a twisting … Continued