Plantar Fascia Injection

The plantar fascia (PF) is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. It helps support the overall shape of your foot, especially when standing, and helps with shock absorption. Irritation and scarring of the plantar fascia, known as plantar fasciitis, is one of the most common causes of heel pain.

Ten percent of people have pain in the bottom of the heel at some point in their life. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, which can result from overactivity, improper shoes, flat feet or excessive weight on the feet.

Pilon Fracture

The tibia (shin bone) and the fibula are the bones of the lower leg. Pilon fractures are injuries that occur at the lower end of the tibia and involve the weightbearing surface of the ankle joint. The fibula also may be broken. These injuries were first described more than 100 years ago and remain one of the most challenging problems for orthopaedic surgeons to treat. Common causes of pilon fractures are falls from a height and car accidents.

Peroneus Longus to Achilles Tendon Transfer

A peroneus longus (PL) to Achilles tendon transfer is done to restore strength across the ankle joint. Strength may have been lost due to an injury to the Achilles tendon or a neurological disorder. Also, patients with Achilles tendon pain that has not improved from non-surgical treatment may benefit from this transfer. Other tendons (such as the tendon to the big toe or lesser toes) may be chosen for the transfer instead of the PL, based on the underlying anatomy and function.

Peroneal Tendinosis

The peroneal tendons run on the outside of the ankle just behind the bone called the fibula. Peroneal tendinosis is enlargement and thickening with swelling of these tendons. This usually occurs with overuse, such as a repetitive activity that irritates the tendon over long periods of time. 

Osteochondral Lesion

Osteochondral lesions, sometimes called osteochondritis dessicans or osteochondral fractures, are injuries to the talus (the bottom bone of the ankle joint) that involve both the bone and the overlying cartilage. These injuries may include softening of the cartilage layers, cyst-like lesions within the bone below the cartilage, or fracture of the cartilage and bone layers. Throughout this article, these injuries will be referred to as osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT).

Orthotics

Orthotics, also called orthoses, are devices that are worn to relieve pain associated with foot and ankle deformities and help prevent or delay surgery. Most people think of shoe inserts or arch supports when they hear the word orthotics, but they can include devices such as foot pads, shoe inserts, ankle braces, and similar items. Treatment often can begin with less expensive off-the-shelf orthotics and progress to custom orthotics if the symptoms and diagnosis require it.

Mosaicplasty for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are ankle joint injuries involving damage to the joint surface (cartilage) and/or underlying ankle bone (talus). A normal, healthy ankle joint is made up of smooth cartilage supported by strong bone underneath. Sometimes an ankle injury leads to damaged, rough areas of cartilage and bone underneath. Foot and ankle orthopaedic specialists call this type of injury an OLT. Since the ankle joint moves while walking, the rough spots may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased motion. It is kind of like having a pothole in the joint surface.

Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the small nerve leading to the toes. It occurs as the nerve passes under the ligament connecting metatarsal bones in the forefoot. 

Morton's neuroma most frequently develops between the third and fourth toes. It often occurs in response to irritation, trauma, or excessive pressure, and is more common in women.