Lower Body

This is a weakening and collapse of the bone in the head of your femur. That's the ball that fits in the socket of your hip. As this bone gradually dies and breaks apart, you can develop painful arthritis in your hip.

This is an irritation or swelling of the trochanteric bursa. This small, fluid-filled sac is found on the outer side of the femur. It acts as a cushion for the iliotibial band, a thick tendon in your leg.

This surgery removes bone tissue damaged by a problem called avascular necrosis. Taking away this bad bone makes space for healthy new bone to grow.

If you're having surgery on your leg, you may be given a femoral nerve block. It's an injection that numbs the upper part of your leg. It can be used to block pain before and after surgery.

This is a problem with the hip joint. In a healthy hip, the ball of the femur is smooth and round. It fits perfectly into the hip socket. But with this condition, the ball, the socket or both the ball and the socket are shaped poorly. They don't fit together well. When you move your hip, they rub together harmfully.

This surgery fixes a fracture of the femur. A metal rod is used to stabilized the large bone of the leg. Here's how it's done.

This surgery fixes a fracture of the femur at the hip joint. The head of your femur is stabilized with a screw. Here's how it's done.

This surgery fixes a fracture of the femur. It's stabilized with a rod implant. Here's how it's done.

The thigh bone, also called the "femur", is the largest and strongest bone in your body. A femur fracture is a crack or a break of this bone.

This outpatient procedure is an examination of the inside of the hip joint. The surgeon uses miniature instruments and a small camera (called an arthroscope) to see inside the joint. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat problems of the joint.

With this injury, the head of your femur (which is shaped like a ball) slips out of your hip socket. It may slip forward or backward out of position. This can damage structures around the joint.

A hip fracture occurs when the hip bone cracks or breaks. Hear about how a hip fracture is treated and what steps you can take to prevent it.

This is a break of the upper part of your femur. The femur is the long bone in your upper leg. At the top of the femur is the "head." This is the ball that fits into your hip socket. A hip fracture may happen at the "neck" of the femur (the thin portion of bone under the head). Fractures may also happen below the neck.

A broken hip is serious and disabling. With a broken hip, you may not be able to care for yourself. Sometimes, complications from a hip fracture can lead to death. Avoid a broken hip with these basic safety measures.

This surgery repairs a femur fracture at the hip joint. The head of your femur is fixed with surgical screws. Here's how it's done.

This surgery treats a damaged or diseased hip. It replaces the head of your femur with an implant. Your natural hip socket is not changed.

If you have pain in your hip, your doctor may inject medicine into your hip joint. It can help your doctor find where your pain is coming from. It can also make your hip feel better.

This surgery treats a femoral head (the ball of your long leg bone) that's slipping off its neck. The head is stabilized with surgical screws. Here's how it's done.

This is an injection of medicine that goes into your hip joint. We use it to treat pain and inflammation. We can also use it to find the source of your pain.

If your hip joint hurts, or if it catches or clicks when you move your leg, you may have a torn labrum. That's a rim of tissue that surrounds the hip's socket. It helps to deepen the socket and cushion the joint. A torn labrum can keep the hip joint from working smoothly.

This is a surgery to fix a damaged or diseased hip. It replaces your hip with implants to restore function to your joint. This method uses a femoral ball that's larger than the real ball on your femur. The larger size helps give your hip stability.

If you have a strange sensation in your hip joint, it could be a "loose body." That's a bit of bone or cartilage that has broken away and moves around in your joint.

The hip is where the femur meets the pelvis. Several strong muscles are found here. They handle high loads of stress. They may suffer from overstretching and tearing. This is called a muscle "strain." It's a common injury among athletes who play sports that require sudden starts and stops.

This disease affects the blood supply of the bone and leads to the breakdown of the hip joint. It can be caused by a hip dislocation or certain medical conditions. This video explores other causes, as well as recommended treatment.

This surgery replaces the diseased and damaged parts of the femur (thigh bone) with a metal ball component.

This surgery treats hip dysplasia, a problem caused by a shallow hip socket. It adjusts the socket so the ball of your femur won't slip out.

This disease most commonly affects children between the ages of four and eight. It involves the head of the femur. That's the bony ball that goes into the hip socket. With this disease, the bone of the femur's head begins to die.

If you have arthritis in your hip, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your hip feel better and work better.

If you have arthritis in your hip, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your hip feel better and work better.

If you have a painful damaged or diseased sacroiliac joint (we call it the "SI" joint), a fusion may help. With the Rialto SI Fusion System, your surgeon uses titanium implants to join your hip's ilium bone to the spine's sacrum. This may relieve pain associated with SI joint dysfunction or SI joint disease.

This is a problem with the head of the femur in growing children. With this condition, the ball-like head slips out of place in the hip socket. It moves down and back. This slip happens at the femur's neck, along a growth plate. That's where new bone develops. Growth plates are weaker than the surrounding bone.

This is a snapping or a popping sensation in your hip. It may happen when you stand up, when you walk, or when you move your leg a certain way.

This therapy treats dying bone tissue in the head of the femur. Cells from your own body are used to help the femur heal.

If you injure your hip, or if you have tendons or ligaments that have become inflamed, stem cell therapy may help. It uses your body's own stem cells to help heal hip damage. It may help you avoid surgery.

This surgery fixes problems caused by a poorly-shaped hip joint. That's a condition known as femoroacetabular impingement. We call it "FAI." The surgeon repairs your hip through an incision.

This surgery treats arthritis of the hip. It will let your hip glide smoothly again. It also preserves as much healthy bone as possible. For some, this surgery can be done instead of total hip replacement.

This surgery replaces diseased and damaged portions of the hip with implants designed to restore function to the hip joint.

This is a sudden loss of bone density in the head of the femur. That's the ball that fits into the socket of your pelvis to form the hip joint. With transient osteoporosis, the femur's head weakens and your hip begins to hurt.

A guide to sex positions that are safe after either a hip or knee replacement.

Arthroscopy may be done to remove loose bodies in the hip through small incisions.

Arthroscopy can be used to repair loose or missing cartilage in the hip joint.

When excess bone forms on the edge of the ball or the socket of the hip, it's called FAI (femoroacetabular impingement). This can cause pain and limit movement. Arthroscopy can fix FAI. It uses small incisions and special tools. Read on to learn more.

Arthroscopy can be used to repair synovitis and arthritis.

Know what to do to before hip arthroscopy.

Know what to expect after arthroscopy on your hip.

A healthy hip joint allows you to walk, squat, and turn without pain.

Practice doing these daily tasks after hip replacement surgery.

After hip replacement, getting dressed can be difficult. These tups can help.

After hip replacement surgery, getting in and out of bed can be difficult. These instructions can help.

After hip replacement, getting in and out of a car can be difficult. This sheet can help.

Your new hip has a limited safe range of motion. These tips will help you manage better with your new hip.

Use the tips on this sheet to help keep your new hip safe while sleeping after hip surgery.

Use these tips to help sit safely after hip replacement.

Tips to help you use the toilet safely after hip surgery.

Total hip replacement surgery almost always reduces joint pain. During this surgery, your problem hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.

The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints. A healthy hip joint allows you to walk, squat, and turn without pain. But when a hip joint is damaged, it is likely to hurt when you move.

Here is what to expect in the hospital after a total hip replacement.

Once you have been shown how to protect your hip, you will learn the skills needed to return to normal life. You'll be taught how to walk, sit, and dress.

By having a total hip replacement, you're taking the first step to getting back to an active lifestyle.

To make your recovery safer, you might want to have furniture rearranged so it's easier to get around. In the bathroom, aids like a shower hose and a raised toilet seat can help you stay safe. Don't forget to watch out for hazards like wet floors or uneven surfaces.

A total hip replacement is major surgery, so don't be surprised if it takes a few months before you feel really good.

Treating health and dental problems now may improve healing after a joint replacement. If you're a smoker, do your best to stop or cut down.

Conditioning your body before hip replacement can help speed your recovery. Daily exercise helps strengthen muscles that support the hip joint.

You may be nervous about getting a new hip. But the better prepared you are before surgery, the easier your recovery program is likely to be.

The following exercises build strength. You'll also use them after surgery to help speed your recovery.

The following exercises do more than build strength. You'll also use them after surgery to help speed your recovery.

These exercises help build upper body strength.

This sheet will help you care for yourself after total hip replacement.

Take your pain medicine as prescribed to keep pain under control.

It's important to know what symptoms are red flags after hip replacement.

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip surgery to replace a damaged hip joint. It is similar to total hip replacement.

This is a type of surgery to replace a damaged hip joint. The surgery is done by an orthopedic surgeon.

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip surgery to replace a damaged hip joint. It is similar to total hip replacement.

IT band syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee. It most often occurs in athletes, especially long-distance runners.

This is a type of surgery to replace a damaged hip joint. The surgery is done by an orthopedic surgeon.

The trochanteric bursa is found on the hip joint. Inflammation of this bursa is called trochanteric bursitis.

Here are imaging showing how to safely get into bed after a hip replacement.

Here are imaging showing how to safely get out of bed after a hip replacement.

Core decompression of the hip is a type of surgery. Your healthcare provider may advise this surgery if you have osteonecrosis.

Our knees take a lot of force. They support the weight of the body. They keep us upright and stable. They cushion us when we walk and run. So it's not unusual to feel knee pain at some time in our lives. Let's learn about knee pain, and what you can do about it.

This procedure replaces a damaged or torn anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, with a tendon graft held in place by Arthrex RetroScrews. The surgeon uses a small camera called an arthroscope to visualize the inside of the knee during the procedure.

The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, is one of the ligaments that connects the femur to the tibia. During this procedure, a damaged ACL is replaced with a graft. The surgeon performs this procedure with the aid of an arthroscopic camera.

Watch this video to learn about ACL reconstruction surgery.

This procedure repairs your knee after a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (commonly called the "ACL"). This ligament is in the center of the knee. It helps anchor the femur to the tibia. This surgery can allow you to regain normal knee function.

This surgery replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament. We call it the "ACL." The replacement is made from part of your hamstring tendon.

This surgery replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament (we call it the "ACL") with a graft made from part of the hamstring tendon in your leg.

Watch this to learn some answers to common concerns about ACL reconstruction.

The knee is the body's largest joint. It's the place where three bones meet: the tibia, the femur and the patella. The knee is a "hinge" joint. It allows the leg to bend in one direction only. Let's take a closer look at the main parts of the knee's anatomy.

The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, is a thick, elastic band of tissue that runs from the bottom of the femur to the top of the tibia. It helps stabilize the knee joint. The ACL can become stretched or torn when the knee is twisted or hyperextended. For reasons that are not fully understood, ACL injuries are much more common in women than in men.

This injury is a tearing of the ACL ligament in the knee joint. The ACL ligament is one of the bands of tissue that connects the femur to the tibia. An ACL tear can be painful. It can cause the knee to become unstable.

This surgery treats a small area of damaged cartilage in your knee. Cartilage is a type of strong, smooth tissue that covers and protects the ends of your bones. We'll remove the bad cartilage so healthy new cartilage can grow in its place.

If you have a joint problem, your surgeon may want to try arthroscopy. This lets your surgeon see inside your joint with a small, thin camera called an "arthroscope." It can be used on any joint, but let's see it in the knee.

This arthroscopic procedure uses a small, metal, cap-like implant to cover damaged or missing articular cartilage in the knee joint. The articular cartilage covers the surfaces of the bones in the joint, allowing them to glide smoothly against each other. The procedure can typically be performed in about an hour.

This outpatient procedure relieves pain and swelling in the knee caused by bursitis, or inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac between the skin and patella (commonly called the kneecap).

This repairs your knee's damaged articular cartilage. That's the cartilage covering and protecting the ends of your bones. Repairing it helps you stay active. This surgery is done with two procedures. They are performed weeks apart.

This condition occurs when a bone's normal blood supply is disrupted. The affected bone cells die and the dead bone weakens. The bone may begin to fracture and collapse, leading to arthritis.

This bulge, also called a "popliteal cyst," forms behind the knee. It's a swollen bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between soft tissues and bones. There are several of these sacs in the knee and in other joints. A swollen bursa can be uncomfortable, or even painful.

This is a swelling of a fluid-filled sac called a "bursa." It's on the inner side of your knee, between the tibia and the tendons that attach to your hamstring muscle. You have similar sacs near other large joints throughout your body. They act as cushions between your bones and your soft tissues. Normally they have a small amount of fluid inside them. But sometimes they can swell. We call that "bursitis."

This repairs damaged articular cartilage in your knee. That's a type of cartilage that covers and protects the ends of your bones. Repairing it helps you stay active.

This repairs damaged articular cartilage in your knee. That's a type of cartilage that covers and protects the ends of your bones. Repairing it helps you stay active. This surgery requires two procedures done several weeks apart.

This is an injection of steroid into the knee joint. We often use it to treat the pain and inflammation of knee arthritis.

This fracture happens in the center of the knee, between two cushions of cartilage known as the "menisci." It involves a bony protrusion we call the "tibial spine." It's where the anterior cruciate ligament (commonly called the "ACL") attaches to the tibia. A tibial spine fracture can cause the knee to become unstable.

During this outpatient procedure, the physician uses a radiofrequency device to heat up and disrupt the genicular nerves. These are the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain. Disrupting these pathways can provide long term relief from knee pain.

This surgery adjusts your tibia. That's the large bone of your lower leg. We do this surgery to better align your knee and leg. It can help you delay or avoid a knee replacement.

This is an injection of a medicine called HYALGAN. It's delivered directly into your knee joint. It helps with the pain of osteoarthritis.

This is a problem on the outer side of your thigh. It's an inflammation of the iliotibial band. That's a thick band of tissue that spans from your hip to your shinbone. When this band becomes in inflamed, it can hurt.

This is a stretching or tearing of a ligament on the outer side of your knee. The lateral collateral ligament, commonly called the "LCL", connects the femur to the fibula. The LCL helps stabilize your knee. This ligament, along with the medial collateral ligament, helps prevent excessive side-to-side movement of your knee joint. It helps keep the upper and lower leg aligned properly.

This surgery treats a kneecap that isn't properly aligned with the femoral groove. That's a groove in the femur where the kneecap should rest. Aligning the kneecap with this groove relieves knee pain.

During this minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, the surgeon removes debris from within the knee joint. This debris is usually a piece of bone, cartilage or other tissue that has broken free and is floating within the joint.

This repairs damaged articular cartilage in your knee. That's a type of cartilage that covers and protects the ends of your bones. Damaged articular cartilage will not heal on its own. Repairing it helps you stay active. MACI is a two-step procedure. This means you'll have two procedures a few weeks apart.

This is a stretching or tearing of a ligament on the inner side of your knee. The medial collateral ligament, commonly called the "MCL", is connected to the femur and to the tibia. The MCL helps stabilize your knee. This ligament, along with the lateral collateral ligament, helps prevent excessive side-to-side movement of your knee joint. It helps keep the upper and lower leg aligned properly.

This outpatient procedure is performed to replace lost or severely damaged meniscal cartilage in the knee joint. In a healthy knee, this cartilage is present in two c-shaped wedges called menisci. Each one is called a meniscus. These wedges help cushion and stabilize the knee. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia with the aid of a small camera, called an arthroscope, and miniature instruments.

Each of your knee joints is cushioned by two c-shaped wedges of cartilage. The two cushions in each knee are called the "menisci." Individually, each cushion is called a "meniscus." Certain motions, such as twisting the knee, can cause a meniscus to tear. In many cases, a torn meniscus can be treated with arthroscopic surgery.

This is a common injury of the knee. Your knee joint is cushioned by two c-shaped wedges of cartilage called the "menisci." Each individual cushion is called a "meniscus." This injury is a tear of one of these cushions.

This surgery repairs damaged cartilage in your knee. Cartilage is the hard, smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones in your knee. We use microfracture surgery on areas where missing cartilage exposes bare bone.

This repairs damaged articular cartilage in your knee. That's a type of cartilage that covers and protects the ends of your bones. Repairing it helps you stay active. This surgery is usually done with an arthroscope (a tube-like device with a video camera and light).

In this outpatient procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin metal implant to resurface lost or moderately damaged cartilage on the inner side of the knee joint, called the medial compartment. The implant can be used to replace articular cartilage, which covers the ends of the knee bones, and also fibrous meniscal cartilage, which creates a cushion between the bones.

This is a type of injury that causes knee pain in children. It's an inflammation of a growth plate in the tibia. Growth plates are places where new bone tissue forms. They are found in the long bones of growing children. But growth plates are weaker than the surrounding bone. That makes them easier to injure.

This condition is characterized by the death of an area of cartilage and bone in the knee joint. The dead section may remain in place, forming a lesion, or it may loosen and partially detach from the surrounding bone. It may break away completely and float around inside the joint.

The meniscus is a cushion of cartilage. There are two in each knee. If one of these shock absorbers is worn out or hurt, you may need a partial meniscectomy to remove the damaged areas.

This is a break of the patella. That's the small bone in the front of your knee often called the "kneecap." The kneecap protects the joint and helps link your thigh muscles to your lower leg. A fracture can cause pain and other problems.

This is a pain you feel just below your patella (the bone we commonly call the "kneecap"). It's an injury to your patellar tendon, which connects the bottom of the kneecap to the shinbone.

This is a tear of a large tendon in the front of your knee. We call it the "patellar tendon." It connects the bottom of the kneecap to the top of the shinbone. It helps you straighten your leg. You can have a tear that doesn't go all the way through the tendon, or you can tear the tendon completely. A complete tear is a disabling injury.

This is a problem with the alignment of the patella (the bone at the front of the knee, commonly called the "kneecap"). With this disorder, the patella shifts out of its normal track as you bend or extend your knee.

This is a pain you feel in the front of your knee. It involves the patella. That's the bone we commonly call the "kneecap." The patella slides up and down in a groove on your femur as you bend and extend your knee. If you have this syndrome, you may have injured the soft tissues that support and cushion your kneecap. Or, you may have some damage to the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap.

This surgery treats damage on the back of the patella. That's the bone we know as the "kneecap." Patellofemoral replacement is not as complex as a total knee replacement. For some patients, it restores knee function and stops pain.

During this procedure, a catheter is inserted behind the knee so that the lower branches of the sciatic nerve can be bathed in a continuous flow of anesthetic solution. Typically, it is used to numb the leg for surgery on the lower leg, ankle and foot and to manage pain following surgery.

Strong bands of tissue called "ligaments" help stabilize the bones that form the knee joint. One of these ligaments is called the "PCL." It helps connect the femur to the tibia. If you stretch or tear a PCl, your knee may become unstable.

This surgery replaces a badly damaged posterior cruciate ligament. We call this ligament the "PCL." It's a band of tissue in the knee that helps connect the femur to the tibia. A damaged PCL makes your knee unstable.

This condition is an inflammation of the prepatellar bursa, a fluid-filled sac that covers the front of the kneecap. Prepatellar bursitis results in pain and swelling at the front of the knee.

This non-surgical procedure relieves chronic knee pain with an injection that promotes the natural healing of damaged joints and soft tissues.

If you have pain in your knee, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your knee feel better and work better.

If you have pain in your knee, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your knee feel better and work better.

If you have arthritis in your knee, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your knee feel better and work better.

If you have arthritis in your knee, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your knee feel better and work better.

This is an infection in the knee joint. It causes your knee to become painfully inflamed. Without proper treatment, it can become a chronic problem. It can permanently damage your knee.

If you have injured your knee, or if normal wear and tear has caused degeneration of your joint, stem cell therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help repair knee damage. It may help you avoid surgery.

This condition is a break in the femur at the knee joint. The fracture can range from a small crack to a full break that allows part of the bone to separate. This injury can involve the cartilage on the base of the femur in the knee joint, and may increase the risk of developing knee arthritis later in life.

With this surgery, we treat a knee that has early-stage arthritis on only one side. We shift your body's weight to the healthier side of your knee. This relieves pain and improves your knee's function.

With this surgery, we treat a knee that has early-stage arthritis on only one side. We shift your body's weight to the healthier side of your knee. This relieves pain and improves your knee's function.

This condition is a fracture at the top of the tibia, also called the shin bone. This fracture usually involves both bone and cartilage, so there is a high risk of developing arthritis from injury to the cartilage cells.

This surgery treats patellar tracking disorder. It corrects the position of your patella. That's the bone we call the "kneecap."

This non-operative, outpatient procedure is designed to provide relief for patients with arthritis of the knee. The technique allows the physician to inject an inflammation-reducing steroid with maximum accuracy.

Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less-invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee. The Encore Medical EPIK® unicompartmental knee procedure uses specially-designed metal and plastic implants.

Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less-invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee.

The UniSpacer procedure is designed to relieve joint pain without removing healthy bone, delaying the need for a total knee replacement operation.

Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less-invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee.

Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee.

This is an injection of medicine into the knee joint. It lubricates your knee so the bones can glide smoothly. It can help lessen the pain of arthritis.

Knee arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a ligament tear using an arthroscope.

Knee osteotomy is surgery to shift the positioning of the knee.

A healthy knee allows you to walk, squat, and turn without pain.

During total knee replacement surgery, your damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis). This surgery almost always reduces joint pain and improves your quality of life.

Your doctor may use arthroscopy to treat meniscus problems. Learn more about this procedure.

Learn your treatment options for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Nonsurgical treatment is most often used to treat medial collateral ligament (MCL) problems.

Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat knee problems through several small incisions in the knee.

Follow these tips during your recovery after knee surgery.

The knee is a hingelike joint, formed where the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap meet. It is supported by muscles and ligaments and lined with cushioning cartilage. Over time, cartilage can wear away and the knee becomes stiff and painful.

You and your healthcare team will assess how well you can care for yourself at home. You may need friends, family, or a home health aide to help with chores and errands.

Exercising is the only way to regain your strength and range of motion. With continued exercise, you may gain more strength and range of motion than you had before surgery.

Swelling is common after total knee replacement, but there are steps you can take to minimize the amount of swelling you experience.

You can keep your knee healthy by knowing the right moves and avoiding the wrong ones. Some activities may be permanently restricted.

After knee arthroscopy, your surgeon may prescribe physical therapy. This can help relieve pain, increase range of motion, and improve strength.

Arthroscopy is used to find and treat knee problems. These include tears in the meniscal cartilage, joint loose bodies, or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Learn what to expect after knee arthroscopy.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a painful knee problem that can happen in active young people. It almost always gets better with rest and simple treatment.

Your knee is a complex joint with many parts. These parts work together to give you the flexibility and motion needed for walking, running, and jumping. But with Osgood-Schlatter disease, knee pain can leave you on the sidelines.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that affects the knee. It most often affects young, growing teens. Learn details about treatment here.

After knee replacement, your healthcare team will help you learn how to sit up, stand, and use the bathroom safely.

The kneecap provides leverage for your muscles as they bend and straighten the leg. It also protects the knee joint.

As the leg moves, the kneecap moves, too. It slides up and down its track on the thighbone. But if the kneecap slides "off track"—even a little—pain and damage can result.

If the kneecap is "off track" even a bit (a tracking problem), it can cause uneven pressure on the back of the kneecap. This can cause pain and trouble with movements, such as walking and going down stairs. Below are some common causes of kneecap pain.

You can find out what is causing your knee pain by having a thorough evaluation. You may see an orthopedist or a sports medicine healthcare provider. They treat bone, muscle, and joint problems. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the cause of your knee pain and design a treatment plan for you.

Many treatments can help reduce pain and swelling in your knee. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist may suggest 1 or more of the treatments suggested here.

Some procedures may be done using arthroscopy, a method that uses tiny incisions and special instruments to look and work inside the knee joint. Other procedures require open surgery. The kneecap can be realigned to improve its tracking. To do this, soft tissue may be cut, tightened, or moved.

Surgery may be used when pain severely limits your activities. Or it may be done when a rehab program or other nonsurgical treatments just are not helping enough. Some procedures may be done using arthroscopy. This method uses tiny incisions and special instruments to look and work inside the knee joint. Other procedures need open surgery.

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a band of tough, fibrous tissue that helps stabilize the knee. Injury to this ligament often happens when the knee is forced beyond its normal range of motion.

Conditioning your body BEFORE knee replacement can help speed your recovery. Daily exercise helps strengthen muscles that support the knee joint.

You can do a lot now to make your recovery from knee replacement quicker and easier.

Doing these exercises before your knee replacement can help speed your recovery.

Doing exercises before your knee replacement can help speed your recovery. These exercises build upper body strength. This can help you when you're using a walker or crutches to get around after surgery. Your physical therapist (PT) or surgeon may advise you to use weights to make the exercises more effective. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.,

Your healthcare team will monitor your progress after your surgery. Be sure to let them know how you feel and how well your pain is controlled. You may also receive medicines, such as antibiotics and blood thinners.

Information on how to care for yourself after knee arthroscopy.

You have undergone knee replacement surgery. Here are instructions for care at home.

After knee replacement surgery, it's important to use pain medicine as directed to get back to an active life as soon as possible.

A Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee.

Knee pain is very common. It's especially common in active people who put a lot of pressure on their knees, like runners. Here is general information about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

IT band syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee. It most often occurs in athletes, especially long-distance runners.

Meniscal transplant surgery is a surgery to replace a small piece of missing or damaged cartilage in the knee. The meniscus is replaced with one from a cadaver donor.

Total knee replacement is a type of surgery to replace a damaged knee joint. It is done by an orthopedic surgeon.

Posterior tibialis tendon surgery is a way to fix the tendon on the back of your calf that goes down the inside part of your ankle. The tendon can be torn or inflamed from injury or other causes. This can cause pain and other problems. Surgery can help relieve these problems.

The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is where the shoulder blade (scapula) meets the collarbone (clavicle). An AC joint sprain occurs when an injury damages the ligaments in the AC joint.

A Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee. Here are possible treatments and complications.

Meniscal transplant surgery is a surgery to replace a small piece of missing or damaged cartilage in the knee. The meniscus is replaced with one from a cadaver donor.

Total knee replacement is a type of surgery to replace a damaged knee joint. It is done by an orthopedic surgeon.

Posterior tibialis tendon surgery is a way to fix the tendon on the back of your calf that goes down the inside part of your ankle. The tendon can be torn or inflamed from injury or other causes. This can cause pain and other problems. Surgery can help relieve these problems.

If a bursa becomes inflamed and irritated, it is known as bursitis. Pes anserine bursitis affects a bursa found on the inside of the knee joint.

Injury to the medial collateral ligament may be very painful. The knee may also not work the way it should.

The prepatellar bursa is found on top of the kneecap (patella). It lies just under the skin. If this bursa becomes irritated and inflamed, the condition is called prepatellar bursitis.

A sudden injury can tear the meniscus. This is often because of planting the foot and twisting the knee. Sports such as soccer, football, and basketball are often involved.

Patellofemoral syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the front of the knee. It may be caused by actions that put repeated stress on the knee, such as running or squatting.

This minimally-invasive procedure is performed to stimulate the growth of fibrocartilage in an injured joint. Fibrocartilage is a tough, dense, fibrous material that can fill in areas where smooth, glassy cartilage has become damaged or worn away. This procedure may be performed with general or regional anesthesia.

This is a series of numbing injections that block sensation in your foot and ankle. We most often use this to prepare you for foot surgery.

This surgery fixes an unstable break in your ankle. The break could be in the small bone of your lower leg, called the "fibula" or the larger bone, called the "tibia." Sometimes, they're both broken. Your surgeon will stabilize your bones so your ankle can heal.

This surgical procedure is performed to treat severe arthritis or injury of the ankle joint. During the procedure, the surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and fuses the joint. This stabilizes the ankle and relieves pain.

Ligaments are fibrous, elastic bands of tissue that connect and stabilize the bones. An ankle sprain is a common, painful injury that occurs when one or more of the ankle ligaments is stretched beyond the normal range of motion. Sprains can occur as a result of sudden twisting, turning or rolling movements.

An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries. It occurs when your foot turns in on itself, stretching and weakening the ligaments that bridge the ankle and foot bones. This video explains the possible causes, recommended treatment, and what you can do to prevent a sprain.

This is a pain on the outer side of your ankle. It's a lasting pain that you may feel all the time. It can make it hard for you to walk and run, and it can increase the possibility of ankle sprains.

This is a stretch or tear of one or more ligaments above the ankle. The ligaments form the syndesmosis. They connect the bones of the lower leg (the tibia and fibula) and give your ankle stability.

This surgery corrects an unstable ankle. It tightens one or more ligaments that support your ankle. It helps people who've had repeated ankle sprains. It can also help people who have certain foot deformities.

This injury is a fracture at the base of the tibia (the largest of the two bones in the lower leg). Pilon fractures involve the weight-bearing surface of the tibia, and typically occur just above the ankle. In many cases, when the tibia is fractured, the thinner bone in the lower leg (called the fibula) is also broken.

If you have painful tendons on the outer side of your ankle, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your ankle feel better and work better.

If you have painful tendons on the outer side of your ankle, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your ankle feel better and work better.

During this procedure, the surgeon uses a specialized radiofrequency instrument to break up scar tissue in a painfully-inflamed Achilles tendon. The coblation procedure can be performed as a minimally-invasive procedure through the skin, or it can be performed as part of an open surgical procedure. This animation will show the minimally-invasive technique.

This procedure is used to correct a fracture of the talus, one of the three main bones that form the ankle joint. During this procedure, the surgeon stabilizes the bone with hardware to allow the bone to heal properly.

This surgical procedure fuses your ankle joint with a rod commonly called a "nail." It passes through the bones of your foot and lower leg. This type of fusion can be helpful if you have severe arthritis or other serious problems with your ankle. It may also be needed if you have had a total ankle replacement that has failed.

This technique is used to stabilize an ankle after injury. It can be used to repair a high ankle sprain, which damages the soft tissue structures between the tibia and fibula and causes these bones to separate. It can also be used to stabilize a fracture of the fibula. The TightRope system anchors the ends of the tibia and fibula together with a braided polyethylene cord, rather than with a rigid surgical screw, to restore the original position of the bones and to allow for proper healing.

This technique is used to stabilize an ankle after injury. It can be used to repair a high ankle sprain, which damages the soft tissue structures between the tibia and fibula and causes these bones to separate. It can also be used to stabilize a fracture of the fibula. The ZipTight system anchors the ends of the tibia and fibula together with a braided polyethylene cord, rather than with a rigid surgical screw, to restore the original position of the bones and to allow for proper healing.

This surgery replaces the talus, a large bone in the ankle. It's found between the heel bone and the bones of the lower leg. Replacing a damaged or diseased talus helps your ankle move like it should.

This surgery treats a problem with the talus. That's a bone in the lower part of your ankle joint. The surgery removes bone tissue damaged by a problem called "avascular necrosis." Taking away this bad bone tissue makes space for healthy new bone to grow.

This is a swelling and thickening of the peroneal tendons. These tendons travel from the lower leg to the foot. They pass along the outer side of the ankle. Tendinosis is a long-term problem.

This surgery treats a problem with the talus. That's a bone in the lower part of your ankle joint. The surgery removes and replaces bone tissue damaged by a problem called "avascular necrosis."

When ankle ligaments are stretched to the point of pain and injury, it's called an ankle sprain. A sprain can tear the ligaments. These tears can be very small but still cause pain.

Learn how to treat ankle sprains.

Arthroscopy is used to find and treat ankle problems. These include loose bodies, bone spurs, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and synovitis.

After ankle arthroscopy, your joint may be swollen, painful, and stiff. Recovery times can vary. Your surgeon will tell you when to resume activity.

Instructions to help take care of yourself after ankle arthroscopy.

This sheet will help you care for yourself after ankle surgery.

Ankle fusion is a type of surgery used to join two or more bones of your ankle. The surgery is done to treat arthritis in the ankle.

Ankle replacement surgery is a procedure to treat arthritis of the ankle joint. The damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial implant.

Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up 1 or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

Ankle fusion is a type of surgery used to join two or more bones of your ankle. Your ankle fusion will be done by an orthopedic surgeon. This is a surgeon who specializes in treating bone, muscle, joint, and tendon problems.

Ankle replacement surgery is a procedure to treat arthritis of the ankle joint. Your ankle replacement surgery will be done by an orthopaedic surgeon. This is a surgeon who specializes in treating bone, muscle, joint, and tendon problems.

Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

Ankle fusion is a type of surgery to fuse the bones of your ankle into one piece. It's also known as ankle arthrodesis. The surgery is usually done to treat arthritis in the ankle.

This surgery makes the Achilles tendon longer. The Achilles tendon is a large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. When it's too short, it causes pain and problems with walking.

This is a collapse of your foot's arch. It happens over time, usually in just one foot but sometimes in both. As your arch collapses, the bones of your foot may gradually shift out of alignment. This can cause pain and other problems.

This procedure uses a small, metal, cap-like implant to cover damaged or missing articular cartilage in the joint of the great toe, restoring mobility to the toe. Articular cartilage covers the surfaces of bones in the joint, allowing them to glide smoothly against each other. This procedure is commonly used to treat hallux rigidus, or stiff big toe.

This deformity affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It is a bony bump beneath the skin on the inner side of the foot. A bunion starts small, but over time it can grow to become very large. Bunions are more common in women.

This procedure is used to correct a bunion, a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. During this procedure, portions of bone are removed and the bones of the foot and toe are aligned properly, eliminating the bump on the inner side of the foot.

This outpatient procedure is performed to correct a bunion, a deformity of the toe joint. During the procedure, the surgeon may remove excess bone and then shift the toe into proper alignment. This surgery is commonly performed with regional anesthesia.

This outpatient procedure is performed to correct a bunion, a deformity of the toe joint. This surgery is commonly performed with regional anesthesia.

This bony bump forms on the outer side of the foot at the base of the fifth toe. Like a traditional bunion, a bunionette can be sore and painful. The skin covering the bump can become red and irritated.

This surgical procedure is performed to correct a bunionette, a bony bump on the outer side of the foot at the base of the fifth toe. During this procedure, the surgeon realigns the head of the metatarsal and removes excess bone to eliminate the prominence and give the foot a more natural shape.

This surgical procedure is performed to correct a bunionette, a bony bump on the outer side of the foot at the base of the fifth toe. The procedure removes this excess bone growth, eliminating the bump so that the bunionette does not press painfully against shoes.

A bunionette, also called a tailor's bunion, is a deformity that forms at the base of the fifth toe. It appears as a large, bony bump beneath the skin, and the toe may turn inward. In its early stages, a bunionette can often be managed with pads and with proper shoes. But if you have a severe bunionette, treatment may involve surgery.

This procedure is used to correct a severe fracture of the calcaneus (the heel bone). During this procedure, the surgeon stabilizes the bone with hardware to allow the bone to heal properly.

This procedure changes the alignment of the calcaneus, commonly called the "heel bone." The surgeon will cut this bone, adjust its position and stabilize it with an implant. This technique can be used to correct problems such as a flat foot or an abnormally high arch.

This procedure is used to correct a "tongue-type" fracture of the calcaneus (the heel bone). During this procedure, the surgeon stabilizes the bone with hardware to allow the bone to heal properly.

Your foot's arch is between the foot's ball and heel. With this condition, the arch is higher than normal. It doesn't touch the ground when you stand. This means all of your weight is put on the ball and heel of your foot. This can lead to pain and other issues.

This surgery relieves arthritis at the base of the big toe. That's a condition we call "stiff big toe," or "hallux rigidus." A cheilectomy gives your big toe a greater range of motion.

This is a common foot deformity. With it, one or more toes buckle and curl into a claw shape. Over time, a claw toe can become locked in this position. It can dig into the sole of your foot. You may have trouble finding comfortable shoes.

This is a problem that some babies are born with. One or both feet are turned inward and downward. A clubfoot is hard to push into the correct position.

These are patches of rough, thick skin. Many people have them on their feet. They can form because of pressure or friction, often because of shoes that don't fit properly. Corns and calluses are your skin's way of protecting itself. They are similar, but they are two different things.

This surgical procedure helps to create an arch in the foot. It is commonly performed to help correct the condition of pes planus (commonly called flat foot or fallen arch). A Cotton osteotomy can change the shape of your foot, giving it a more normal appearance.

This outpatient procedure is designed to repair a damaged Achilles tendon. During the procedure, injured and scarred tissue is removed. This can reduce or eliminate the pain of tendinitis.

This procedure is used to correct deformities such as hammertoe and claw toe. The surgeon shortens a bone in the toe to allow the toe to straighten and return to a more natural posture.

This procedure relieves the pain of chronic plantar fasciitis. This condition is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that stretches across the sole of the foot. This procedure may be performed with local or regional anesthesia and with sedation.

This surgery relieves the pain of Morton's neuroma. That's a thickening of a nerve sheath in your foot.

This procedure uses a small, two-piece implant to cover damaged or missing articular cartilage in the MTP joint, where the base of the great toe meets the foot. The implant restores mobility to the bones of this joint, allowing them to glide smoothly against each other. This procedure is commonly used to treat hallux rigidus, also called stiff big toe.

This surgery fuses the joint where the base of the big toe meets the foot. That's the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. We call it the "MTP" joint. This is a way to treat arthritis of the MTP joint.

This procedure treats severe arthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe. This is the first metatarsophalangeal joint, commonly called the first "MTP" joint. Arthritis in this joint can cause pain and swelling. It can limit your ability to walk, and it can limit the types of shoes you can wear comfortably. During this procedure, a metal plate is implanted to prevent movement of the MTP joint.

This procedure treats severe arthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe. This is the first metatarsophalangeal joint, commonly called the first "MTP" joint. Arthritis in this joint can cause pain and swelling. It can limit your ability to walk, and it can limit the types of shoes you can wear comfortably. During this procedure, an implant is inserted to improve the function of this joint.

This surgery repairs an injury of the Lisfranc joint complex. That's a cluster of small bones and ligaments in the midfoot. This surgery stabilizes broken or dislocated bones.

This is a break of the heel bone. The calcaneus forms the back of the foot and supports you when you walk. A calcaneus fracture is a serious injury that needs medical care.

This is a break of the bone that sits above the heel bone and below the lower leg bones. The talus forms the lower part of the ankle joint. A talus fracture is a serious injury that needs medical care.

This outpatient procedure is used in the correction of conditions such as flatfoot, chronic Achilles tendonitis, or equinus (commonly called toe walking). Gastrocnemius recession lengthens the muscles and tendons at the back of the leg, allowing the heel to shift downward into a more natural position. In many cases, this technique is performed as an alternative to Percutaneous Tendo-Achilles Lengthening, which can permanently weaken the Achilles tendon.

This outpatient procedure is used in the correction of conditions such as flatfoot, chronic Achilles tendonitis, or equinus (commonly called toe walking). Gastrocnemius recession lengthens the muscles and tendons at the back of the leg, allowing the heel to shift downward into a more natural position. In many cases, this technique is performed as an alternative to Percutaneous Tendo-Achilles Lengthening, which can permanently weaken the Achilles tendon.

This is a bump that forms on the back of the heel bone. It can irritate the bursa (that's a fluid-filled sac) on the back of your heel. This causes the bursa to become painful and swollen.

This treatment removes a bony bump on the back of your heel. That bump is called a "Haglund's deformity." It can cause heel pain.

This is a type of arthritis that affects the base of the big toe. It forms in the metatarsophalangeal joint (we call it the "MTP" joint). With hallux rigidus, the protective cartilage on the ends of these bones wears away. Bone rubs against bone. Bony growths called "bone spurs" may form. Your toe stiffens, and this can make walking uncomfortable.

This condition is a deformity in which a toe bends downward at the middle joint. The second toe is the one most likely to be affected, but this deformity can occur in other toes as well. Sometimes, more than one toe is affected.

This surgical procedure is used to correct a hammertoe, a deformity of the toe that causes the toe to become permanently frozen in a bent position. During this procedure, a small piece of bone is removed to shorten the toe and allow it to straighten.

This is a break of a bone in the foot called the "fifth metatarsal." It's on your foot's outer side, behind the little toe. With a Jones fracture, this bone breaks on the end furthest from the toe. The fifth metatarsal doesn't have a good blood supply there, so healing can be difficult.

This procedure is used to correct a Jones fracture - a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a screw into the metatarsal to stabilize the bone and allow it to heal properly.

This procedure is used to correct a Jones fracture - a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts one or more screws (and sometimes additional hardware) to stabilize the bone and allow it to heal properly.

During this outpatient procedure, the physician removes a problematic accessory navicular bone. The accessory navicular is an abnormal, unnecessary bone found in a small percentage of people. It is located on the inner side of the foot.

This procedure fuses two bones in the foot. These are the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform. This procedure can be used to treat arthritis. It can be used as part of a bunionectomy. It may also be used as part of a procedure to correct a flatfoot.

This procedure is used to correct a bunion, a bony bump at the base of the great toe caused by excess bone growth and misalignment of the bones of the foot and toe. This procedure removes the bump and brings the toe back into proper alignment.

This surgical procedure is used to modify the shape of the foot, creating an arch to correct the condition of pes planus (commonly called flat foot or fallen arch). It can dramatically change the shape of the foot, giving the foot a more normal appearance.

This is an injury of the middle part of the foot, where the metatarsal bones of the forefoot connect to the cuneiform bones of the midfoot. It can involve torn ligaments, broken bones or a combination of both. And, it can involve more than one joint.

This surgical procedure stabilizes the bones of your foot. It repairs the damage caused by an injury to the LisFranc ligament. This important ligament connects the medial cuneiform to the second metatarsal. It provides support for the midfoot region.

This surgery corrects a toe that has become permanently bent downward. This technique straightens your toe to allow your foot to function normally.

This surgical procedure is used to modify the shape of the foot, creating an arch to correct the condition of pes planus (commonly called flat foot or fallen arch).

This procedure is used to correct a fracture of one or more of the long bones of the foot. During this procedure, the surgeon stabilizes the bones with hardware to allow the bones to heal properly.

This procedure helps to improve the function of one of the metatarsalphalangeal joints in the foot. Theses joints, commonly called the "MTP" joints, are found at the base of each of the toes. Arthritis in these joints can result in pain and loss of movement. Commonly, this procedure is performed to treat the MTP joint of the big toe.

The ball of your foot absorbs a lot of stress when you run and jump. It can become injured and sore. We call this pain "metatarsalgia." The pain can keep you from exercising and from playing sports. And it can be a problem for active people.

This surgery treats a problem in the middle part of your foot. We do it to relieve the pain of arthritis. It's also done to correct a deformity, or to treat an injury. There are several bones in your midfoot that may be fused. These include the navicular, cuboid, cuneiform and metatarsal bones.

Toe bone spur removal is a quick procedure that may be performed in the doctor's office or in the hospital.

This is a thickening of the sheath covering one of the nerves in your foot. Most often, it develops in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. It's also common between the second and third toes.

This problem most commonly affects the base of the second toe. It's an inflammation of a joint capsule. Joint capsules are formed by ligaments. They surround joints, supporting the bones while allowing them to flex. When the capsule at the base of your toe becomes inflamed, the toe can begin to separate from your foot.

This condition is an injury to the navicular, one of the tarsal bones of the midfoot. This type of injury is common in athletes, particularly those who participate in high-impact sports that require jumping, sprinting and sudden directional changes. Track and field athletes are particularly susceptible.

This is an injury of the protective cartilage on the top of the talus (the ankle bone). You'll find this cartilage where the talus touches the tibia and fibula (the bones of the lower leg). An osteochondral lesion can be a painful problem.

This simple procedure removes part of an ingrown toenail and keeps it from returning. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

This is a tear of one or both of the tendons on the outer side of your ankle. They travel from your lower leg, behind the bump on your ankle and down to your foot. Tears here tend to happen along the length of the tendon, not across it.

This is a painful inflammation of the peroneal tendons. These tendons travel from the lower leg to the foot. They pass along the outer side of the ankle. Without proper care, this injury can turn into a long-term problem we call "peroneal tendinosis."

This outpatient procedure is a surgical cutting of part of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that supports the foot's arch. By partially cutting this tissue, the surgeon releases tension and allows the tendon to lengthen. This procedure is commonly performed to relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia. This thick band of connective tissue travels across the bottom of the foot between the toes and the heel. It supports the foot's natural arch. It stretches and becomes taut whenever the foot bears weight.

During this procedure, the surgeon uses a radiofrequency device called a TOPAZ microdebrider to break up scar tissue in a painfully-inflamed plantar fascia (a band of tissue at the bottom of the foot). The coblation procedure can be performed as a minimally-invasive procedure through the skin, or it can be performed as part of an open surgical procedure. This animation will show the minimally-invasive technique.

If you have pain in your Achilles tendon, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your ankle feel better and work better.

If you have pain in your Achilles tendon, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your ankle feel better and work better.

If you have pain in your foot from plantar fasciitis, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your foot feel better and work better.

If you have pain in your foot from plantar fasciitis, platelet rich plasma therapy may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your foot feel better and work better.

This injury involves two small bones under the foot near the big toe. They are called "sesamoid" bones. They aren't directly connected to other bones of the foot. Instead, the sesamoids are embedded in tendons. With sesamoiditis, these bones and the tendons around them become irritated and inflamed.

This isn't a true disease, it's a painful heel condition that affects growing children. It's an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone (called the "calcaneus"). Growth plates are places where new bone forms as bones grow and lengthen.

This fusion device is designed to correct misalignments of the toe bones. It can be used for a range of deformities, including hammertoe, claw toe, mallet toe, arthritis and dislocations. The implant is contained completely within the bones of the toe, leaving no pins or screws sticking out.

Stress fractures are one or more tiny cracks in a bone. These fractures are common in the legs and feet. That's because your legs and feet have to support your weight and absorb the forces of walking, running and jumping.

This surgery fuses the calcaneus (that's the heel bone) to the talus. The talus is the bone that connects the foot to the ankle. This surgery may help if you have arthritis. You may also need this surgery if you have an injury, or if you were born with a foot problem.

This procedure is designed to limit hyperpronation, an excessive range of motion of the subtalar joint typically caused by hereditary underdevelopment of the talus or the calcaneus. Hyperpronation can allow the foot to collapse inward and downward. During this procedure, a small device is implanted between the talus and calcaneus to correct this abnormal motion and stabilize the ankle. Several implant styles are available.

This surgery fixes a torn Achilles tendon. That's the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. The tear is called a rupture, meaning the tendon has completely torn in two.

This procedure repositions the flexor hallucis longus tendon, (commonly called the "FHL" tendon) to reinforce a diseased Achilles tendon. The FHL tendon travels along the inner side of the ankle and foot. It is responsible for flexing the big toe. Repositioning it adds strength to the Achilles.

This procedure is used to reroute a tendon from beneath a flexible hammertoe to a new path along the top of the toe. Instead of pulling the toe into a bend, the tendon becomes a corrective force that helps straighten the toe.

This surgery fuses three joints in the foot. These are the subtalar joint, the calcanocuboid joint and the talonavicular joint. You may need this surgery if you were born with a foot problem, or if you've developed rigid flat foot. You may need this surgery if you have an injury, or if you have arthritis.

This surgery shortens one of your metatarsals. These bones are in your foot at the base of your toes. We do this surgery to treat a condition called "claw toe." We also use it to treat pain in the ball of the foot.

This procedure is used to remove the problem portion of an ingrown toenail and to prevent the ingrown toenail from recurring. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic, and takes only a few minutes to perform.

You walk on your feet every day, forcing them to support the weight of your body. Repeated stress on your feet can cause damage over time. The right shoes can help protect your feet. The wrong shoes can cause more foot problems. Read the information below to help you find a shoe that fits your foot needs.

Learn what you can expect before, during, and after bunion surgery.

When a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes pinched, this causes it to swell and become painful. The painful, swollen nerve is called a neuroma.

Your heel is the back part of your foot. A band of tissue called the plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the bones in the ball of your foot. Nerves run from the heel up the inside of your ankle and into your leg. When you feel pain in the bottom of your heel, the plantar fascia may be inflamed.

Your foot is made up of soft tissue and bones that work together to form a healthy, functioning, and pain-free foot.

These tips will help you recover after foot surgery.

Arrange to have an adult drive you home after surgery. If you had general anesthesia, it may take a day or more to fully recover. So, for at least the next 24 hours: Do not drive or use machinery or power tools; do not drink alcohol; and do not make any major decisions.

Bunions don't go away. Wearing shoes that fit properly will often relieve the pain. Bunions that remain painful may need surgery.

Learn how these common conditions affecting the toes are treated.

Metatarsalgia is pain in the ball of your foot. It's often caused by poorly fitting shoes. Learn the symptoms.

Learn how metatarsalgia, pain in the ball of your foot, is treated.

If you keep pushing your muscles, damage to the tendons adds up and tendonitis develops. Pain and swelling may limit your activities. But with your doctor's help, tendonitis can be controlled.

Learn what to expect when you get treatment for tendonitis of the foot.

Corns and calluses can form on the foot due to rubbing or pressure.

Learn about the different treatments for corns or calluses.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes foot and heel pain. Learn more about it, including symptoms, causes, and treatment.

First, your healthcare provider tries to determine the cause of your problem in order to suggest ways to relieve pain. Here you will find some suggestions to reduce symptoms..

EPF is one of the surgeries used to treat chronic strain of the plantar fascia. It is done as an outpatient procedure. It takes about an hour to do and may be done at a hospital, a same-day surgical facility, or in your healthcare provider's office.

Learn about recovering at home after EPF.

Mallet, hammer, and claw toes are among the most common foot problems. They are often caused by wearing shoes that are too short or heels that are too high.

Your healthcare provider can tell you where your surgery will be done. You will also be told the type of anesthesia you'll be given during surgery to stay pain-free during the procedure.

A bunion is a bony bump. When the distance between the first and second metatarsal bones of the foot is greater than normal, the big toe may turn toward the other toes. A mild bunion may then form causing foot pain and swelling. Bunions are most often found near the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions tend to run in families. They may cause pain, swelling, and skin irritation.

Degenerative joint disease (arthritis) often happens in the joint of a big toe. This bone growth may cause pain and stiffness in the joint. Left untreated, arthritis can break down the cartilage and destroy the joint. Your treatment choices depend on how damaged your joint is. There are many nonsurgical treatments, but if these are not helpful, surgery may be considered.

A bone spur (an extra bone growth) can make walking and wearing shoes painful. There are several nonsurgical treatments for bone spurs. But if these aren't effective, surgery can be considered.

Your plantar fascia is the ligament that extends from the heel of your foot to the ball of your foot. If your foot flattens too much or too little as you move, you may strain your plantar fascia. While the vast majority of people with plantar fascia pain can be helped with nonsurgical treatments, surgery can be considered if these treatments fail.

A curled fifth toe is most often inherited. When the fifth toe curls inward, it moves under the next toe. Then the nail of the curled toe starts to face outward. As a result, you may bear weight on the side of your toe instead of the bottom. This can cause corns and painful nails. There are many nonsurgical treatments available. But if these are not effective, surgery is a choice.

Tight shoes and high heels can place extra pressure on the ball of your foot, causing neuromas and calluses. A neuroma is an inflamed nerve. It can cause pain, numbness, or burning. A plantar callus is a buildup of hard skin on the ball of the foot. The callus may feel like a stone in your shoe. There are many nonsurgical treatments for neuromas and calluses, but if these are not helpful, surgery may be considered.

To help the bone heal properly, you may need to wear a cast. If you do, always keep it dry. Your healthcare provider will tell you whether you can bear weight on your foot while it heals. They may also prescribe a surgical shoe for you to wear.

Your Achilles tendon is a large band of tissue in the back of your ankle. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. You use it almost every time you move your leg. But repeated stress can make the tendon more prone to injury. A complete tear through the tendon is known as an Achilles tendon rupture.

A ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. Ganglions can form on any part of the foot.

A black-and-blue nail (also called a black nail) is usually caused by sudden or repetitive injury to a toe. This might occur during sports that involve running or stopping quickly. The injury may also result from a heavy object falling on a toe. If your toe is black and blue but not injured, see your healthcare provider immediately.

An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This often occurs at either edge of the big toe. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure.

There are several causes of very thick or crumbling nails. They can be caused by injuries or pressure from shoes. Fungal infections are a common cause. Diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease are other possible causes.

Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. The damage may be a tear or rupture from a sudden (acute) injury. Or the damage may be from overuse, wear and tear, or from other conditions.

A Lisfranc joint injury is a kind of injury to the bones or ligaments in the arch of your foot. The injury gets its name from a French surgeon.

Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint of the big toe. It happens when the toe bends up too far. This can happen when pushing off the foot to run.

Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. Your tendon repair will be done by an orthopedic surgeon. This is a surgeon who specializes in treating bone, muscle, joint, and tendon problems.

You may need to rest your foot and use ice packs. For a more serious injury, you may need a walking boot, hard shoe, or cast.

A Lisfranc joint injury is a kind of injury to the bones or ligaments in the arch of your foot. The injury gets its name from a French surgeon.

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury. The main symptom is pain when you move your ankle.

The posterior tibialis tendon runs along the inside of the foot. It connects the calf muscle to bones on the inside of the foot. Tenosynovitis is when this tendon becomes inflamed or torn.

Subcutaneous calcaneal bursitis is a condition that causes heel pain. It's often caused by wearing shoes that don't fit you correctly.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a condition that causes heel pain. This pain spreads from the bursa located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone.

A bunion is a bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. A bunion changes the shape of the foot. It can also cause pain and problems using the foot.

Scientists believe bone spurs happen because of osteoarthritis or when the body tries to heal itself after a trauma by replacing bone.

Sometimes the big toe starts to turn in towards the smaller toes. This pushes the joint out to the side, causing a bony bump called a bunion.

With hammertoes, one or more toes curl or bend abnormally. This can be caused by an inherited muscle problem, an abnormal bone length, or poor foot mechanics. There are many nonsurgical treatments for hammertoes, but if these are not effective, you may want to consider surgery.