Equinus is where the ankle joint does not bend up enough to walk.  The normal angle of the ankle joint going up is 10 degrees with the knee extended.  Equinus can be caused by tight tendons or a bony block like a spur.  This may cause pain with walking and activities.  Treatments include heel lifts, … Read more

The metatarsals is the part of the foot between the top of the arch and the toes. There are five metatarsals behind each of the toes. These bones are easily fractured. Stress fractures are particularly common.  Avulsion fractures are common with the fifth metatarsal where the tendon pulls off a piece of the bone. There … Read more

Bones usually take 6-8 weeks to heal. For patients who sustain a fracture or have surgery where the bones were cut with internal fixation placed, weight bearing may need to be protected or avoided. Dr. Hoy will advise. After a month there may not be any pain and the weight bearing restrictions may not seem … Read more

The Lisfranc’s joint runs along the top of the arch on the foot. This joint can be injured or fractured. Signs of a fracture include bruising, redness and swelling. In addition to physical examination, an x-ray is required to diagnose the fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, either protected weight bearing, non-weight bearing, … Read more

Malignant melanomas and other cancers can occur in the foot. Podiatric care is very important as suspicious soft tissue lesions can be identified and biopsied as soon as possible. We work with other specialists to provide total care for patients who have been diagnosed with these conditions. Malignant Melanoma from Chicago Health SMB Brands on … Read more

Warts are very common, especially in the younger, more athletic population. It is a viral infection that comes from public places such as swimming pools, showers, yoga mats. The body eventually needs to fight off the virus like others, but podiatrists can help to treat the condition with debridement and medications. Plantar Warts from Chicago … Read more

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, inflammatory arthritis that needs to be managed by a primary care physician or rheumatologist. Podiatrists can provide care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis by prescribing special shoes or performing surgery for certain painful joint conditions. What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which certain cells of … Read more

Sesamoid injuries are very common, especially in Downtown Seattle. There are two sesamoid bones on the ball of the foot behind the big toe. These bones may get irritated or break, especially with walking in shoes that are flexible and not supportive. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to give any fractures the best chance … Read more

Tarsal coalition is a condition where there are abnormal connections between bones in the back of the foot. The condition mostly occurs during development. The connection reduces the motion between those bones and causes pain. Treatments include custom orthotics and stable shoes to minimize motion between these bones.  Surgery may be needed to remove these … Read more

Accessory navicular syndrome involves an extra bone on the arch on the inside of the foot. The tendon that lifts the arch passes through this area. The extra bone causes pain as the tendon rubs against it. Treatments include icing, NSAIDs, arch supports including orthotics, and excision of the bone. What Is the Accessory Navicular? … Read more