The accessory navicular (os navicularum or os tibiale externum) is an extra bone or piece of cartilage located on the inner side of the foot just above the arch. It is incorporated within the posterior tibial tendon,which attaches in this area. An accessory navicular is congenital (present at birth). It is not part of normal …

A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with a jellylike fluid that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump those forms below the surface of the skin. Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft-tissue masses. Although they …

A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. Fractures in the ankle can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both.Ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling …

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the skin that produce pigmentation (coloration). It is also called malignant melanoma because it spreads to other areas of the body as it grows beneath the surface of the skin. Unlike many other types of cancer, melanoma strikes people of all age groups, even the …

For many people with bunions, surgery is an appropriate option when non-surgical treatments have failed to provide adequate pain relief. Bunion surgery—generally referred to as a bunionectomy—is designed to remove the “bump” of the bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot, and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. …

For some people with a flatfoot, surgery is an appropriate option when non-surgical approaches have failed to provide adequate pain relief. The goals of flatfoot surgery are to improve function, correct the misalignment of the foot, and decrease pain. Many different surgical techniques are available to correct a flatfoot, and one or a combination of …

Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring “giving way” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually the “giving way” occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer …

Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint. It most often affects the joint of the big toe. Symptoms: An attack of gout can be miserable, marked by the following symptoms: Diagnosis: To diagnose gout, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about your …

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The two peroneal tendons in the foot run side-by-side behind the outer ankle bone. One peroneal tendon attaches to the outer part of the midfoot, while the other tendon runs under the foot and attaches near the inside of the arch. …

Orthotics can be used to help fix problems with walking and posture. Knee, foot, and lower back pain are just a few of the problems that can be addressed with orthotics. There are several reasons why a person might require orthotics. Orthotics realign the bones in the foot and ankle and, as a result, relieve …