Orthopedic Library
Foot & Ankle

The ankle is a complex joint because in most situations, the ankle and foot function as a unit. Let's dive into the anatomy of some of the joints in the ankle and foot to try and understand how they work together. 

A hammertoe is a common foot deformity where one of the small toes has an abnormal bend in the middle toe joint. The condition can cause pain and make walking difficult.

Achilles tendinitis/tendonitis is one of the most common running injuries that physical therapists see. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports like tennis and basketball.

Finding shoes that provide the right support for your feet can be challenging. But it doesn't have to be. Dr. Scott Biggerstaff, orthopedic foot & ankle surgeon at OrthoCarolina Winston-Salem, explains the different types of feet & tips on how to choose the right shoes with Carol Andrews at WXLV ABC 45. Check out these helpful tips when looking for new shoes.

Orthopedic foot & ankle specialists treat even the most complex foot and ankle problems and serve as a reliable source when surgery is recommended.

Foot and ankle problems can range from annoying to life-changing. Dr. Scott Biggerstaff, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle, addresses common conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and even odd sounds.

Hear from our panel of orthopedic experts about Stress Fractures & Sprains, Achilles Tendonitis & Tears, Bunions, Ankle & Heel Pain and Arthritis in the OAS Season 1 finale. 

Bunions are bulging bony bumps that form at the big toe joint when pressure on the joint pushes it toward the second toe. Bunions alter the structure of the bone, resulting in the usually tender bump that can make walking and wearing shoes painful.

Balance plays an important role in preventing injuries, maintaining mobility and supporting good posture. These simple stretches and exercises will help strengthen your ankle muscles to promote balance and coordination.

Inflammation and pain is the body’s natural reaction to an injury. To ease that pain and help the body heal faster, is it better to use ice or heat?

Genuine custom foot orthotics are made specifically to your left and right anatomical foot geometry.  They realign and stabilize the bones in your feet in order to restore your natural walking pattern more effectively than over-the-counter inserts.

Wearing shoes that fit poorly can lead to a myriad of problems, from minor foot discomfort to stress fractures and meniscus tears.

Choosing the right athletic shoe for your foot is key to moving comfortably, efficiently and safely. Get to know your foot type and follow the tips above to choose an athletic shoe that’s right for you.

Discussing orthopedic injuries and topics that affect you most. Watch our live stream on Facebook & YouTube (@orthocarolina).

Shoes are for more than just walking. Especially in the cold months of winter, they become critical when it comes to health and well-being.

The pain from plantar fascitis is felt in the heel of the foot and can often feel like walking on a bruise. Physical Therapist Scott Beecher shares information about how therapy can reduce the pain and inflammation attributed to plantar fascitis.

As a foot and ankle provider, I often get asked a TON of questions regarding running...

Stress fractures are common injuries for runners with pain starting as they begin to run and progressively becoming more painful and localized.

Plantar fasciitis affects nearly 2 million Americans each year, with over 10% of the population suffering from this condition at some point over their lifetime.

The foot and ankle are critical for human motion and support the body mainly by acting as shock absorbers and enabling you to balance and move. Learn more about arthritis symptoms and treatments for this key piece of your body.

In 2013, Jenn Andrews’ focus was on her first pregnancy and a little self-care, when a pedicure technician felt a small bump on Jenn’s foot. What seemed so trivial that day would become so important later. That bump was a tumor – myxoid sarcoma, a rare and potentially life-threatening form of cancer. Despite an initial attempt at removing the tumor, it eventually came back, and now Jenn faced a daunting choice five years later: She could cure the cancer only by losing her foot.

The weather is starting to get nice and many people start walking programs. Two injuries that occur often with starting a walking program are Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Both injuries typically occur from overuse, but there are some signs to look for that can help you prevent them.

Foot drop is what it sounds like: a condition that causes someone to have problems lifting the upper part of the foot, from the arch to the toes, off of the floor. It may also seem like the person is dragging their foot across the floor when they walk, sometimes scraping their toes.