The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, but that doesn’t mean it’s resistant to injury. In fact, Achilles tendon pain is quite common. Let’s take a look at what factors play a role in Achilles tendon issues and how they are treated.

Ankle replacement, or a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), may be a viable treatment option for adults with severe arthritis that impacts their quality of life. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes the joint’s cushioning cartilage to wear away, forcing uncomfortable bone-on-bone contact. The goal of ankle replacement surgery is to reduce pain and increase mobility by replacing worn or damaged components of the ankle joint with specially designed implants.

A sprained ankle is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. It occurs when the ligaments that hold the ankle in place stretch or tear. Anyone can sprain an ankle while jogging up the stairs or walking on an uneven surface, but this injury is particularly common among athletes and individuals who frequently exercise. A sprained foot can also occur when ligaments in the foot are strained, although this condition is fairly rare.

Ankle arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a degenerative condition in which the joint’s layer of cushioning cartilage wears away. This can trigger painful bone-on-bone contact that makes basic actions like standing up and walking uncomfortable experiences. Arthritis in the ankle joint is also closely associated with arthritis in the feet, as the many small bones in both of these structures work together to facilitate movement.

An arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of an arthroscope, which is a thin surgical instrument with a small camera attached to the end. The camera sends live images to a screen in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to view detailed pictures of the inside of the joint and make an evidence-based diagnosis. Arthroscopies can often be performed with other specially designed tools to repair soft tissue damage, remove bone or cartilage fragments, treat carpal tunnel syndrome, reconstruct an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or address other musculoskeletal conditions.

The ankle is a complex joint with multiple small bones and ligaments that work in harmony to facilitate movement. When one or more bones in the ankle is broken, it can be difficult – or impossible – to move around comfortably. Let’s review the causes and symptoms that are associated with broken ankles, and what treatments are used to address this common injury.

A “broken foot” is the term used to describe a fracture within one of the foot bones. Each foot has 26 small bones and 33 joints, all of which are susceptible to fractures and other types of injuries. A broken foot can be classified as a stress fracture – a partial fracture slowly caused by repeated activities – or a standard fracture, which occurs suddenly and causes a definitive break. Some of the most common causes of broken feet include sports injuries, car accidents, slips and falls, impact from heavy objects, and overuse in the case of stress fractures.

The spine features a complex network of small bones, nerves, and cushioning discs. These discs are composed of a soft, gel-like-core and a tough, fibrous outer shell. Sometimes, factors like repeated strain, arthritis, or sudden trauma can cause one or more of these discs to bulge out in one direction, potentially pinching against a nearby nerve root and causing painful symptoms.

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bump that seems to slowly grow on the inside of the big toe joint. It may develop on one or both feet. A bunion forms at the MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint – the main joint at the base of the big toe – when the metatarsal bone shifts inward and the big toe moves towards the second toe.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can result in gradually worsening weakness, numbness and tingling sensations in the thumb, middle, and index fingers. Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome have difficulty typing comfortably or keeping a firm grip on objects. Here’s some helpful information on this common medical issue.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is an inherited neurological disorder that can result in weakened muscles, reduced coordination, muscle contractions, and loss of sensation. Also referred to as a hereditary motor and sensor neuropathy, this condition can damage the peripheral nerves in the legs and arms.

Cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar nerve entrapment, occurs when the arm’s ulnar nerve becomes compressed through a combination of factors, such as sleeping with bent arms, fluid buildup around the elbow, or a direct hit to the elbow during sports. The ulnar nerve runs from the neck to the hand, traveling through a passageway of tissue called the cubital tunnel.

Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is a medical condition characterized by the wearing away of the protective cartilage that lines the joints. It impacts many adults over the age of 50, although it may develop at an earlier age in individuals who frequently participate in high-impact activities, are obese, or have certain genetic predispositions.

Dupuytren’s contracture, or Dupuytren’s disease, occurs when the fascia of the fingers and palm begins to thicken and eventually tighten. Fascia is a fibrous layer of tissue that lies just below the skin of the palm-side of the hand. Over time, the affected hand may have fingers that become locked in a bent position as a result of tightened fascia. This condition tends to progress slowly and may take years to fully develop and cause obvious symptoms, which may include small lumps on your palm and noticeably thickened tissue in addition to bent fingers.

Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is a medical condition characterized by the wearing away of the protective cartilage that lines the joints. It impacts many adults over the age of 50, although it may develop at an earlier age in individuals who frequently participate in high-impact activities, are obese, or have certain genetic predispositions.

Flat feet is a fairly self-explanatory condition – it describes the lack of natural arch in the foot, which means the entire bottom of each foot touches the floor when standing. This problem is relatively common and often harmless, although treatment options are available to people who experience pain as a result of flat feet.

Many conditions that affect the feet or ankles can be treated or effectively managed through conservative methods like physical therapy and medication. Still, surgical treatment may provide the best chance for optimal results if conservative approaches fail. If you are considering foot or ankle surgery to address a painful musculoskeletal issue, consult with the board-certified surgeons at Orthopaedic Specialists in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. We can provide you with the expert advice and guidance you need to make confident and informed decisions about your orthopedic health.

Our feet feature dozens of tiny bones and ligaments that work in harmony to facilitate movement. Because of the foot’s delicate anatomy, there are many conditions and lifestyle factors that can lead to foot pain.

If you’ve ever played a sport or have an active lifestyle, odds are, you’ve broken a bone. A bone fracture is a common injury that can require various types of treatments based on the location and extent of the break. 

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a relatively common condition that is characterized by marked stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Some people develop frozen shoulder after keeping their arm immobilized for an extended period time from wearing a cast or recovering from a surgery. Symptoms of frozen shoulder tend to evolve slowly, and may include pain while using the shoulder and stiffness, often after the initial pain begins to dissipate.

Despite what its name may suggest, golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is not exclusive to golfers. Rather, this condition – which is characterized by pain where the forearm muscle attaches to the inside of the elbow joint – can develop in anyone who frequently performs high-impact movements that involve the elbow, including painters, weight lifters, plumbers, tennis players, and woodworkers.

Hammer toe occurs when there is a disruption to the tendons that hold a toe in normal position. The result is a toe that has an unusual upward bend, typically at the joint nearest to the toenail. This condition most often affects the second, third, and fourth toes.

The hands are complex structures that feature many small bones, connective tissues, and nerves that work together to facilitate motion and perform tasks. Because of this, a disorder or injury that affects one or both of your hands may require specialized care. But, is hand surgery necessary?

Don’t allow a herniated disc to negatively impact your quality of life. There are several treatment options available that can help you reduce your discomfort, improve your mobility, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy. Let’s take a look at some of the most common herniated disc treatment options.

Hip avascular necrosis, also referred to as osteonecrosis of the hip, occurs when the blood supply to the head of the thighbone (femur) is interrupted, causing the bone and its protective cartilage to die and slowly collapse.