Orthopedic Lexicon

Apophysitis calcanei, also known as Sever’s disease, is an inflammatory condition of the growth plate (apophysis) of the heel bone. It occurs predominantly in children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 years, especially during growth phases. Those…

Clubfoot (Pes equinovarus) is a complex congenital foot deformity that occurs in about 1 in 1,000 newborns worldwide. Boys are more frequently affected than girls, and in about 50% of cases, the clubfoot is bilateral. This deformity, which can lead…

The flat/splayfoot is a common foot deformity characterized by a flattening of the longitudinal arch (flatfoot) and/or a widening of the forefoot due to a lowered transverse arch (splayfoot). These deformities often occur together and can lead to…

A flatfoot, medically referred to as pes planus, is a foot deformity where the arch of the foot is flattened or completely absent. This condition can be congenital or acquired and often occurs in both children and adults. While mild forms often…

Foot pain is a widespread symptom that affects people of all ages. It can occur in various areas of the foot, such as the heel, arch, toes, or ankle. Foot pain varies in intensity and cause and can lead to both acute and chronic discomfort. It…

Hallux valgus, colloquially known as a bunion, is a common foot deformity where the big toe (hallux) deviates towards the other toes. This results in a protrusion of the big toe joint, which is often painful and leads to problems when wearing shoes.…

Hammer toes are a common deformity of the toes, where the middle joint of the affected toe is bent upwards while the end joint points downwards. This deformity leads to a characteristic claw-like shape, which can cause pain, pressure points, and…

Heel pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages. It can be triggered by numerous factors, including overuse, misalignments, inflammation, or injuries. Heel pain often impairs the mobility and quality of life of those affected, as…

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are closely related conditions that are often the cause of heel pain. While a heel spur is a bony change in the heel bone, plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia, an important tendon…

The flat-valgus foot (pes planovalgus) is a common foot deformity in which the longitudinal arch of the foot is flattened (flatfoot), and the heel tilts inward (valgus foot). This deformity can occur in both children and adults. While it is often…

Metatarsalgia describes pain in the forefoot area, often occurring under the metatarsal heads. These complaints usually arise from overuse, misalignments, or degenerative changes in the foot. People who stand a lot, walk, or are physically active are…

Morton's neuroma, also known as Morton's metatarsalgia, is a painful thickening of nerve tissue that typically occurs between the metatarsal bones in the area of the third and fourth toes. It is a common cause of forefoot pain, caused by mechanical…

A fatigue fracture in the foot, also known as a stress fracture, is a common injury caused by repeated stress or overuse. Unlike acute fractures, which are caused by direct trauma, a fatigue fracture develops gradually and often affects athletes or…

Tarsal arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis in the area of the tarsal bones, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the tarsal region. It often occurs in older people but can also be caused by injuries or misalignments. The disease leads to…

The upper heel spur, also known as Haglund's deformity, is a bony protrusion at the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). This condition often causes pain, swelling, and restricted movement, especially when the heel is under stress. The upper heel spur…