The medical world is full of complex language, and it can be difficult to comprehend what you’re dealing with when your doctor says you need an ankle arthrodesis or you have hallux rigidus. Today, we’re going to shed light on some more common medical terms you might here in a foot and ankle surgeon’s office. See yesterday’s post for Part 1.
Foot and Ankle Terms
Lateral – Lateral means on the outside or the furthest away from your body, so when we talk about lateral ankle ligaments, we’re talking about the ligaments on the outside/far side of your foot.
Medial – Closer to the central line of the body. The medial ankle ligaments are on the inside/inner part of your foot.
Metatarsals – The long bones in your midfoot at the base of the phalanges. Each toe has one metatarsal.
Metatarsalgia – Localized pain under the metatarsal heads in your forefoot, often caused by repetitive stress.
Minimally Invasive Surgery – As opposed to an “open” procedure, a minimally invasive operation typically requires smaller openings and surgery performed with the assistance of a micro-camera connected to a tube that is inserted into the body. This type of operation is less taxing on the body and reduces the likelihood of infection or bleeding.
Neuroma – A thickened or irritated nerve. When it occurs in the toes, it’s classified as Morton’s Neuroma.
Open Surgery – This operation is more invasive, as a doctor typically makes a larger incision to access the surgical site without the assistance of a camera. When a minimally invasive operation cannot be performed, surgeons use the open surgery technique.
Orthotic – A support, brace or device used to align, support or prevent an action in a body part. An example of an orthotic device would be a shoe insert to correct flat feet.
Phalanges – Contrary to Phoebe’s opinion, planes don’t have phalanges. Your feet do, however. The phalanges are the small bones that make up your toe at the head of the metatarsal
Plantar Fasciitis – This condition is caused by inflammation in the thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, that runs across the base of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
Plantar Flexion – The downward motion of the ankle joint and the opposite of dorsiflexion. When push off your foot while running, your foot is in moving from dorsiflexion to plantar flexion.
Pronation – The turning out of the hindfoot. Some pronation is good, but overpronation can stress the ligaments of the ankle.
Shin Splints – Pain in the shin area after running or a period of activity, typically caused by inflammation or mild compartment syndrome. Left untreated, it could develop into a stress fracture.
Sprain – The overstretching or injury of the ligaments of the ankle
Supination – The inward turning of the foot, the opposite of pronation.
Talus – The talus is one of the major bones that forms the ankle joint. It helps connect the lower leg to the foot, and it sits below the tibia and fibula.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Irritation of the tibial nerve.
Tendon – A collect of fibers that attach bone to muscle.
Tendonitis – Inflammation in the tendon.
Tibia – The longer bone in your lower leg, near the tibia. It runs from the knee to the ankle.
Triple Arthrodesis – A procedure which fuses together the three main bones in the hindfoot.
