Podiatric Surgery and Definitions
Podiatry is the study and treatment of foot disease, injuries and defects.
Arthroplasty- surgical repair of a joint
Bunion- enlargement and inflammation of the great toe, usually causing toe to turn inward. Commonly seen in long term wearing of tight-fitting shoes.
Hallux- the great toe.
Hallux Valgus- displacement of the great toe towards the other toes. Often, it coexists with a bunion. The two terms are often used to mean the same but this is inaccurate.
Hammer Toe- a deformity in a joint in the toe. The toe is bent downward.
Morton's Neuroma- Nerve entrapment in between the toes. This causes pain, especially with weight bearing.
Osteotomy- incision into a bone.
Plantar- regarding the sole of the foot.