Podiatry NewsWire

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD), often referred to as adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) or progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), is one of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain in adults. The posterior tibial tendon is a critical dynamic stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. When this tendon experiences microtrauma,…

For decades, distance running was viewed as a natural human activity requiring little formal mechanical instruction. Athletes were encouraged to “just run,” leading to wildly varied styles, inefficient mechanics, and extraordinarily high injury rates. In the late 1970s, Soviet sports scientist Dr. Nicholas Romanov introduced a revolutionary paradigm shift: the Pose Method of Running. Grounded…

A corn, clinically termed a heloma, is a localized area of hyperkeratosis—a thickening of the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum). Corns typically develop on the feet, particularly on and between the toes, in response to repetitive mechanical stress, friction, and pressure. While they are often viewed as mere cosmetic nuisances or minor inconveniences,…

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), commonly referred to as clubfoot, is one of the most prevalent congenital musculoskeletal deformities, occurring in approximately 1 to 2 per 1,000 live births worldwide. Characterized by a complex, three-dimensional physical deformity involving the foot and lower leg, clubfoot historically presented a formidable orthopedic challenge. Prior to the widespread adoption of…

Dealing with poor circulation in the feet—often manifested as coldness, numbness, tingling, swelling, or slow-healing wounds—is a common issue that can significantly affect daily mobility and overall quality of life. Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities typically arises from underlying cardiovascular conditions, lifestyle factors, or metabolic disorders like diabetes. Managing this condition effectively requires…

Our feet are marvels of anatomical engineering. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments working in seamless synchronization to support our body weight and propel us through life. Despite their critical role in daily mobility, foot and lower limb health is frequently overlooked until discomfort or dysfunction becomes…

In lower extremity biomechanics and podiatric medicine, the structure and function of the first ray—comprising the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform—play a paramount role in maintaining gait stability, load distribution, and smooth movement during locomotion. Among the structural and functional variations of the foot, the plantarflexed first ray is one of the most clinically…

The plantar plate is a thick, fibrocartilaginous band located on the plantar (bottom) surface of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in the forefoot. Acting as a major static stabilizer, it anchors the metatarsal head to the base of the proximal phalanx, resisting hyperextension and maintaining alignment of the toes during gait. Pathologies affecting the plantar plate—ranging…

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults, affecting millions of individuals worldwide each year. It is characterized by inflammation and micro-tearing of the plantar fascia—a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that originates at the calcaneus (heel bone) and extends across the bottom of the foot to the…

Pitted keratolysis is a superficial, non-inflammatory bacterial infection of the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the epidermis—primarily affecting the weight-bearing areas of the soles of the feet. Clinically characterized by shallow, punched-out pits, localized skin softening (maceration), and a distinctly foul odor (bromhidrosis), the condition is often mistaken for fungal infections like tinea pedis (athlete’s…