Foot and Ankle Guide
Foot and Ankle Guide
Foot and Ankle Guide
Treatment Guide
Its every patients right and responsibility to ask informed questions about their conditions and treatment options. Cleveland Clinic specialists are available to answer your questions.
Table of Contents Ankle Arthritis ..................... p. 2 Ankle Fracture...................... p. 4 Ankle Sprain ....................... p. 5 Diabetic Foot Care ............... p. 6 Plantar Fasciitis ................... p. 8 Achilles Rupture .................. p. 9 Achilles Tendonitis ............... p. 10 Bunions .............................. p. 11 Hammertoes ....................... p. 12
Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for a group of more than 100 diseases. Arthritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of a joint and its surrounding soft tissues. The word arthritis means joint inflammation. Arthritis can affect just about any joint in the foot, from the ankle all the way to the toes. In ankle arthritis, progressive ankle joint deterioration occurs and the smooth cushioning cartilage between the shin bone and the ankle bone is gradually lost, resulting in the bones wearing against each other. Soft tissues in the joints also may begin to wear down. Ankle arthritis can be painful and eventually can result in limited motion, loss of joint function, and deformity. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear arthritis, which becomes more prominent as people age. Osteoarthritis also can develop after the joint sustains an injury in which case it is called, post-traumatic arthritis.
Joint replacement surgery This kind of surgery involves replacing a worn out ankle with an artificial one. In ankle replacement surgery, a man-made ankle joint is implanted between the shin bone and the ankle bone. There are a number of artificial ankle devices your surgeon can choose from. They are generally made from metal and plastic parts, and are very durable. Unlike ankle fusion, ankle replacement preserves some of the ankles normal up and down motion, making it a good alternative to ankle fusion surgery in some patients with ankle arthritis.
Studies show that total ankle replacement can safely relieve the pain of arthritis of the ankle, improve the ability to walk and improve quality of life. However, ankle replacement is a complicated procedure with more risks involved than ankle fusion. There is a greater risk of having a complication after ankle replacement and a higher likelihood of needing more surgery in the future. Therefore, not everyone with ankle arthritis is a candidate for ankle replacement. Specifically, patients with severe deformity or instability of the ankle or with associated medical problems (such as diabetes or poor blood supply) are probably best treated with a simpler procedure such as fusion.
Ankle Fracture
A fracture is a broken bone. If not treated properly, a fracture can lead to long-term disability. A fracture may be closed (the broken bone does not break through the skin) or open (the skin is torn over the fracture site). A stress fracture is a particular type of fracture that is common in the foot and ankle. A stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone caused by repeated stress on a bone. Most fractures of the ankle are not stress fractures. They usually occur after a forceful twisting injury. When a fracture of one of the bones of the ankle occurs, it is essential to obtain a prompt evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and correct rehabilitation, a painless ankle which functions properly is possible.
Signs of a fracture
Accidents are the most common cause of ankle fractures and include motor vehicle, slips and falls and sports injuries. Symptoms and signs of fractures include: Swelling Tenderness Pain Deformity Difficulty bearing weight A popping sound or sensation
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are an extremely common injury, with an estimated 23,000 ankle sprains occurring in the United States every single day. Many sprains occur during sports such as tennis, basketball, soccer and volleyball, but even more occur during everyday activities. Twisting the ankle on a curb or slipping going down stairs are common injury mechanisms. An ankle sprain occurs when the foot inverts or turns in, resulting in stretching and tearing of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is tight band of strong tissue on the bottom of the foot that serves to help support the arch. This band is attached to the heel bone and extends all the way to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition in which the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and painful. This condition affects virtually all people at some time, but is particularly common in runners and those who stand for prolonged periods of time. In the past, heel spurs were thought to be the source of heel pain, but currently it is the fascia which is felt to be the primary source of discomfort in this area.
Achilles Ruptures
The Achilles tendon is a large rope-like band of tissue in the back of the ankle that connects the powerful calf muscles to the heel bone. Sometimes called the heel cord, it is the largest tendon in the human body. When the calf muscles contract, the Achilles tendon is tightened, pulling the heel bone and pointing the foot downward. It is vital to such activities as walking, running and jumping. A complete tear through the tendon, which usually occurs about 2 inches above the heel bone, is called an Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is under a tremendous amount of stress and can develop wear and tear over time. This may make the tendon more susceptible to rupture. Certain illnesses (such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes) and medications (such as corticosteroids and certain antibiotics) can also increase the risk of rupture. Ruptures frequently occur in the middle-aged male athlete, the so-called weekend warrior. Injury often occurs during recreational sports that require bursts of jumping, pivoting, and running such as tennis, racquetball, basketball and badminton.
Non-Surgical Treatment
This involves a period of immobilization in a cast or boot to allow the tendon to heal on its own. The foot is initially positioned pointing down to allow the tendon ends to begin to heal to each other. The foot is gradually brought up as the healing progresses. Weightbearing is initially limited and also progressed during the course of treatment. The major benefit of this form of treatment is that it is safe and avoids all potential surgical complications. However, the tendon may not heal at the appropriate tightness which can result in weakness. The tendon is also at higher risk for a re-injury compared to surgical treatment.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment involves making an incision and using stitches to repair the rupture. This results in a stronger repair with the appropriate tightness. Both surgical and non-surgical treatment will require an initial period of about six weeks of casting or special braces. The cast may be changed at two- to four-week intervals to slowly stretch the tendon back to its normal length. Casting may be combined with early movement (one to three weeks) to improve overall strength and flexibility. A heel lift device and regular physical therapy follow for the remainder of treatment. Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon will determine the treatment and follow-up that is right for you.
Same-day appointments are available. Please Call 866.275.7496 9
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon and frequently develops in association with activities that put a great deal of repetitive strain on the Achilles. These activities include basketball, running, cycling and even walking. Tendonitis often develops when there has been a change in a persons usual activity. For example, Achilles tendonitis may develop after a jogging program is started or after a new fitness class is begun.
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Bunions
People think of a bunion as being a bump on the side of the foot near the big toe. However, bunions go deeper than what we can see. A bunion actually reflects a change in the anatomy of the foot. Essentially, a bunion develops when the big toe begins to point toward the second toe. This eventually produces the bump on the inside of the foot.
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Hammertoes
Hammertoe refers to a deformity of one of the lesser toes in which the knuckle becomes bent. The knuckle may be flexible and correctable or stiff and rigid.
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To make an appointment with a physician who specializes in the foot and ankle, call 866.275.7496. Same-day appointments are available.
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