Common Conditions of the Foot and Ankle

Question 1

What is the medical term for “bunions”?

Answer 1

Hallux valgus

Question 2

How would you treat Hallux Valgus?

Answer 2

Non-operative:

• Shoe modification
• Orthotics
• Activity modification
• Analgesia

Operative:
-Release lateral soft tissues
Osteotomy 1st metatarsal
-Recurrence is inevitable

Question 3

What is Hallux Rigidus?

Answer 3

Stiff big toe (OA of the 1st MTP joint)

Question 4

What is the management of Hallux Rigidus?

Answer 4

Non-operative:

• Activity modification
• Shoe wear with rigid sole
• Analgesia

Operative:

• Cheilectomy (Remove dorsal impingement)
• Arthrodesis
• Arthroplasty

Question 5

Name 3 types of lesser toe deformities

Answer 5

Claw toes
Hammer toes
Mallet toes

Question 6

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Answer 6

Mechanically induced degenerative neuropathy.
Affects 3rd followed by 2nd webspace/toes.

Causes neurological burning pain in toes

Question 7

Etiology of a dorsal foot ganglia

Answer 7

Arise from a joint sheath and are idiopathic.

Often unveil an underlying arthritis or tendon pathology.

Question 8

What is plantar fasciitis?

Answer 8

Chronic degenerative change which causes fibroblast hypertrophy, disorganized and dysfunctional blood cells and collagen.

Question 9

What are the suggested treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

Answer 9

Rest
Stretching
Ice
NSAID's
Orthoses
PT
Weight loss
Injections
Night splinting

Question 10

What causes Charcot Neuropathy and what are the 2 pathophysiological theories behind this pathology?

Answer 10

DM is the most common cause.

1. Neurotraumatic i.e. lack of proprioception and protective pain sensation.
2. Neurovascular: I.e. Abnormal autonomic nervous system results in increased vascular supply and bone resorption.