Health Articles

Each of the following health articles was authored by one of our expert orthopedic doctors at Orthopedic Associates. Please use the Learn More button to read the article in full.

Bunion Correction with Scarf and Akin Osteotomy

This procedure is used to correct a bunion, a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe.

Arthrosurface® HemiCAP® Resurfacing for the Great Toe

This procedure uses a small, metal, cap-like implant to cover damaged or missing articular cartilage in the joint of the great toe, restoring mobility to the toe.

Arthroscopic Articular Cartilage Repair (Ankle)

This minimally-invasive procedure is performed to stimulate the growth of fibrocartilage in an injured joint.

Ankle Replacement

During this procedure, the surgeon removes diseased or damaged portions of the ankle. The surgeon implants an artificial ankle joint consisting of metal and plastic components.

Ankle Fusion, Transfibular

This surgical procedure is performed to treat severe arthritis or injury of the ankle joint. During the procedure, the surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and fuses the joint. This stabilizes the ankle and relieves pain.

Ankle Fracture Surgery

This surgical procedure is used to correct a fracture of the fibula or tibia in the ankle joint.

Anesthesia (Lumbar Puncture, Spinal Anesthesia)

This numbing medication is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid through a fine needle placed near the nerve roots of the lower spine. It can be used to numb the abdomen, groin, legs and feet.

Anesthesia (Epidural)

Epidural anesthesia is a numbing medication injected through a catheter placed in the epidural space of the spine. It can be used to numb the abdomen, groin, legs and feet.

Achilles Tendon Lengthening

This procedure is designed to treat problems with the Achilles tendon, such as chronic tendonitis or a short or contracted Achilles tendon. A series of cuts is created in the tendon to allow it to stretch and lengthen.

Tibial Fractures

This condition is a break in the shin bone, called the tibia. A tibial fracture can occur anywhere along the bone, and can range from small cracks to a full break that allows the bone to separate.

Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures are small cracks that can occur in a bone because of overuse or activities that place high stress on the structures of the foot and ankle.

Sesamoiditis

This injury involves two small bones under the foot near the big toe. They are called "sesamoid" bones. They aren't directly connected to other bones of the foot. Instead, the sesamoids are embedded in tendons.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis (we call it "RA") is a chronic disease. It affects joints throughout your body. It commonly starts in your hands or feet. For many people, it causes problems in the feet and ankles.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of the Foot and Ankle (Arthritis Foundation Approved)

Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that can attack joints throughout the body, commonly affects both feet and both ankles at the same time. It can cause the joints to become swollen and possibly deformed, causing disability.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

This condition is an overstretching and inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon, which travels from a muscle in the calf down to the arch of the foot.

Plantar Warts

This is a type of wart that forms on the sole of the foot. It causes a patch of thickened skin. Plantar warts are common, and they aren't harmful. But they can be tender, and they can be embarrassing.

Navicular Stress Fracture

This condition is an injury to the navicular, one of the tarsal bones of the midfoot.

MTP Synovitis (Capsulitis)

This condition is a sharp or aching pain in the ball of the foot that is most often centered beneath the base of the second toe.

Metatarsalgia

The ball of your foot absorbs a lot of stress when you run and jump. It can become injured and sore. We call this pain "metatarsalgia." The pain can keep you from exercising and from playing sports. And it can be a problem for active people.

LisFranc (Midfoot) Fracture-Dislocation

This injury occurs when the base of the second metatarsal is broken, or when a ligament that connects this metatarsal to one of the cuneiform bones of the midfoot is ruptured.