Category Archives: Lower Body

Shopping for a New Ankle

Most of us are familiar with knee and hip replacements, but did you know you can also have an ankle replacement? Also known as total ankle arthroplasty, this surgical procedure involves replacing the ankle joint with an implant. Performed by orthopedic and foot and ankle surgeons, this has become a more commonly accepted practice than […]

Flatfoot: Treatments, Exercises, and Elevating Your Flat Feet

Understanding Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction and Flatfoot Treatment Let’s dive into something you might be familiar with but maybe not in all its detail: posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), commonly known as flatfoot. Flatfoot is not just about having flat feet; there’s a lot more to it, especially when it develops in adulthood and typically […]

Don’t Shed Any Tears for Meniscus Tears

You have been told you have a degenerative meniscus tear in your knee. Don’t blame yourself―you did nothing to bring this on. A degenerative condition results from plain old wear and tear linked to aging—in this case, of the cartilage (usually the medial meniscus) within the knee that serves as a shock absorber. As cartilage […]

Fifth Metatarsal Avulsion Fractures: Types, Treatment, and Recovery

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Avulsion Fractures: Putting Your Foot in It So, you might have stubbed your toe or injured your foot while playing sports, and now your doctor is talking about a fifth metatarsal avulsion fracture. What does that even mean? Let’s break it down. What is a Fifth Metatarsal Avulsion Fracture? A fracture is […]

Sparing Your ACL with Knee Replacement

If you have a total knee replacement in your future, you may have heard about a procedure that retains the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), also known as an ACL-sparing knee replacement. The popularity of this surgery continues to increase, especially among younger patients. But is an ACL-sparing knee replacement worth it? First, you need to […]

Sore Knees? Lighten Up

A common condition among older adults, osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when cartilage in the knee wears away, forcing the bones to rub more closely against one another. This not only causes pain, swelling and stiffness, but it is also a common cause of disability. And while age is considered one of the main risk […]

Kick the Discomfort of Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia ligament—plantar fasciitis—is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel, with 2 million cases treated in the United States each year. This heavy band of tissue supports your arch and connects the front of your foot to your heel. In 2014, a comprehensive review […]

Strong Hips = Strong Knees

If you are undertaking a physical therapy program for knee pain or injury, it might strike you as odd that so much focus is put on increasing strength and flexibility in your hips. After all, your hips aren’t the problem. But here’s something you may not know: While your pain and difficulty moving may be […]

Getting Hip to Arthroscopic Surgery

Much like surgery of the shoulder or knee, arthroscopic hip surgery is finding more and more favor among surgeons. It is utilized when painful hip conditions fail to respond to more conservative nonsurgical remedies. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to address damage to the labrum, articular cartilage, and surrounding soft tissue and muscle to reduce […]

Knee Osteoarthritis Supplementing Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis, common among older adults, occurs when cartilage in the knee breaks down. That allows the bones to rub against one another, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased mobility. Drugstore shelves are filled with supplements containing chondroitin and glucosamine that promise healthier joints for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. These supplements may sound like […]