News FAQs

Accessory Navicular Problems     PDF Booklet

Achilles Tendon Problems     PDF Booklet

Bunionette (Tailor's Bunion)     PDF Booklet

Bunions     PDF Booklet

Claw Toes and Hammertoes     PDF Booklet

Foot Anatomy     PDF Booklet

Haglund's Deformity of the Foot     PDF Booklet

Hallux Rigidus     PDF Booklet

Ingrown Toenail     PDF Booklet

Interdigital Neuroma (Morton's Neuroma)     PDF Booklet

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Talus     PDF Booklet

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)     PDF Booklet

Posterior Tibial Tendon Problems     PDF Booklet

Sesamoid Problems     PDF Booklet

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome     PDF Booklet

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The Benefit of Early Weight-Bearing After Surgery for Achilles Tendon Rupture

Management of Chronic Ruptures of the Achilles Tendon

Disorder of the Achilles Tendon

Midfoot Trauma

Update on Plantar Fasciitis

Case of Foot Compartment Syndrome in a Marathon Runner

Effect of Tendon Stiffness on Ankle Flexibility

Footwear For Runners with Flat Feet

Update on Plantar Fasciitis

Review of Shoes and Shoe Supports

Ludloff Osteotomy for Moderate-To-Severe Bunions

High-Energy Extracorporeal Shock Waves May Help Achilles Tendinopathy

Comparing Two Types of Treatment For Achilles Tendon Problems

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Pressure Distribution Across the Foot During Five Common Aerobic Exercises

New Surgery for Achilles Tendon Rupture

Three Treatment Programs for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Compared

Results of Surgery for Bunions

Fusion of Joint in the First Toe Appears Superior than Replacement for Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Advice on Diabetic Foot and Toenail Care

Fascial Thickness, Pain, and Foot Arch All Linked Together in Plantar Fasciitis

Results of Two Methods of Achilles' Tendon Repair

Treatment of Bunionette Deformity

New Test of Foot Posture Revised

Review of Hallucal Sesamoid Problems

Mid-Term Results of Rare Foot Fracture

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Simple Stretch Works for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Recognizing Foot and Ankle Problems in Athletes

Rigid Hindfoot Orthosis Helps Ankle Arthritis

Neuroma of the Calcaneal Tibial Nerve

Early Detection and Management of Achilles Tendon Rupture Important

Shockwave Gives Excellent Results for Plantar Fasciitis

Review of Bunions: What Are They and What to Do About Them

Treatment of Choice for Navicular Foot Fracture

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Young Adults More Likely to Re-rupture Achilles Tendon

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Stress Fracture in Ballet Dancer

When the Great Toe is in a Jam

People with Flat Feet Get a Lift

Cutting Down on the Size of the Cut for Heel Surgery

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FAQs

Can high arches in my feet cause arthritis in my big toes?

My doctor diagnosed the pain under my big toe as sesamoiditis. She said it has something with two small bones under the joint. What is sesamoiditis? Will I need surgery?

Last month I jumped off the tailgate of my truck and landed hard on the ball of my right foot. Now it hurts whenever I'm on my feet for a long time, or when my big toe gets bent upward. Could I have broken my big toe?

I am a professional dancer. My doctor said the pain under my big toe is from sesamoiditis. The pain is getting worse as time goes on. Is dancing causing my toe pain? If it is, what can I do so I can keep up with my schedule?

I started running about two months ago. When I added more miles, I started noticing pain in the bottom of my big toe. I've tried resting it for days at a time, but the pain just keeps coming back when I start running again. What is causing this pain? Should I talk to my doctor about it?

By the end of the work day, I have severe pain in the ball under my big toe. When I take my shoes off, my foot feels much better. The shoes are a good brand, with good arch support. Should I get a different type of shoe?

I was told I have sesamoiditis in my left big toe. It especially hurts when I'm walking and my left foot pushes off for the next step. How I can keep the pain to a minimum?

How can doctors tell if the sesamoid bone in my big toe has a fracture?

I am a collegiate high jumper. I somehow ended up with a stress fracture in the small bones under my big toe, the sesamoids. The pain has been going on for months. Now my doctor wants to do surgery to graft new bone where the sesamoids didn't heal. I've been told I won't be able to compete for at least four months after the surgery, which means I'll have to miss the upcoming track season. Why can't the doctor just go in and take the bones out so I can get back to my sport?

I have heel spurs. What are my treatment options?

I have heel spur syndrome. How long should I expect this pain to last?

I have heel spur syndrome. I've been doing physical therapy for two months, but the pain hasn't gone away. What other treatments can I try?

Since the arthritis in my foot has gotten worse, it seems like I'm walking a lot more flat-footed. Is this my imagination, or should I seek treatment for it?

After enduring years of pain from a neuroma in my foot, my doctor has recommended surgery. What kind of results can I anticipate from surgery?

The pain between my middle toes is from a neuroma. How can I take care of the pain and avoid surgery?

Which is the safer way to do surgery for a painful neuroma in the foot--from the top of the foot or from the bottom?

My X-ray showed I have a bone spur on my heel. Is the pain in my heel coming from this spur?

What is proximal plantar fasciitis?

When I saw my doctor for the pain in my heel, she did an X-ray and found a heel spur. I've been going to my physical therapist for ultrasound treatments, and the pain is going away. Is this because the ultrasound is breaking up the spur?

My doctor told me that the pain in my heel is from proximal plantar fasciitis (PPF). Aside from surgery, what kinds of treatment are used to help this condition?

My doctor says I pronate. What does this have to do with running injuries?

My 13-year-old daughter is a figure skater who competes at the local and state levels. Recently, she fell when landing a jump and broke her ankle. The doctor called it a "stress fracture." How is this different from a regular fracture?

This is the second time I've fractured the main part of my little toe bone. Now my doctor wants me to have surgery to fix the bones in place with screws. What kind of success rate does this procedure have? Is it harder to get good results since I've had a similar fracture before?

When it comes to screw fixation for a Jones fracture in the foot, how much does the hardware itself affect the outcome? For instance, I've heard the size and type of screw used can make a difference. Is this true?

A few weeks ago, I had surgery to fix a Jones fracture in my foot with screws. I don't have any more pain or symptoms. Can I go back to basketball and other activities?

I have been wearing a pair of off-the-shelf orthotics to correct a foot problem. I can't seem to keep them from sliding out the back of my clogs or the front of my sandals. Is there some way to hold them in place?

I'm trying an over-the-counter shoe insert for the first time. How can I tell if it's working?

I had a steroid injection into my Achilles tendon two weeks ago. I didn't really get any relief from the pain and now the skin in that area is turning white. Should I try again and have another injection?

I bummed up my Achilles tendon during a local high school track meet. Now I have Achilles tendonitis and the doctor told me to stay off it for a month. District track meets will be over by then and I really want to qualify for state. What happens if I go ahead and compete anyway?

I've been having problems with chronic Achilles tendonitis. I'm a semi-professional ballroom dancer. I really need my feet and ankles to be pain free. My doctor has suggested a steroid injection. Are these safe?

The podiatrist suggested I try orthotics for my flat feet. Is there any way to tell if they will work before I spend the money on it?

I had a steroid injection into my Achilles tendon two weeks ago. I didn't really get any relief from the pain and now the skin in that area is turning white. Should I try again and have another injection?

I bummed up my Achilles tendon during a local high school track meet. Now I have Achilles tendonitis and the doctor told me to stay off it for a month. District track meets will be over by then and I really want to qualify for state. What happens if I go ahead and compete anyway?

I've heard there's a way to measure a flat foot in degrees. How do I do this?

Is it bad to be flatfooted? My father was kept out of the military for it. I have it, too. It doesn't seem to bother me.

The podiatrist suggested I try orthotics for my flat feet. Is there any way to tell if they will work before I spend the money on it?

I've been having problems with chronic Achilles tendonitis. An ultrasound study showed a tear in the right tendon. The doctor thinks it's from overuse (too much running). I have a choice in treatment. I can either take the slower rehab method or try steroid injections. I'd really like to get back to running and stay with it. Which treatment approach is best?

I know most drugs have side effects. What are the side effects with a topical agent called glyceryl trinitrate? I'm going to use skin patches with this for a chronic Achilles tendon problem.

What is "noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy?" Is this the same as "tendonitis?"

My 20-year old daughter is a ballet dancer with a professional company. She ruptured her Achilles tendon three days ago. The company doctor is advising surgery, but this will keep her from dancing at least eight to 12 weeks. Are there any other faster ways to treat this?

I tore my Achilles tendon while out running. The doctor put me in a cast, which just came off last week. I'm upset because now I have a dropfoot. The doctor thinks it's temporary. Is there any way to tell if this will go away?

I tore the tendon of my calf muscle about eight months ago. It hasn't healed like I thought it would. What are my options now?

My 23-year old son developed a problem with his big toe playing high school football. The doctor calls this "hallux limitus." It's been over five years and he still has pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Does this happen very often? What can be done about it?

I sprained my big toe playing soccer. I really want to get back to the game. Is there a splint or something I can wear while still playing?

What's a "turf toe?" I heard the sports guys on ESPN saying one of the NFL players has this problem.

I am a ballet dancer with a large dance company in Texas. I've been told to stop dancing for six weeks while a stress fracture heals. I simply can't do this. What will happen if I keep dancing on this foot?

I have been dealing with a dance injury for six months affecting the base of my second toe. X-rays were negative and now the doctor wants to send me for a CT scan and an MRI. I'm paying for these tests myself. If I have to choose one over the other, which one is better?

My 18-year old son has taken up the fine art of ballet. But he has complained of foot pain for six months now. I took him to the emergency department and he had an X-ray. Nothing showed up on X-rays. He should be all done growing now so it's not growing pain. What do I do next?

I unexpectedly tore my Achilles tendon. I wasn't doing anything strenuous, just walking in my living room. What could have caused this to happen? Was I born with a weak tendon?

I was walking across the street when my left leg went out from under me. I felt a pop in my calf and now I can't move my foot up or down. There's no swelling yet but the pain is very sharp and I can't walk on it. What could have happened? Do I need to see a doctor?

My mother had a substance called SYNVISC injected into her knee. It's supposed to help lubricate her arthritic joint. Could something like this help me? I've had chronic tendonitis in my Achilles tendon. I've tried everything else and I don't want surgery.

My 83-year old father woke up this morning with one foot cold and slightly pale compared to the other foot. What could be causing this?

About 10 years ago I had a kidney stone I couldn't pass. The doctor treated me with a special vibration treatment called lithotripsy. It worked very well and I was painfree in two days. Now I have plantar fasciitis in my foot. I've been told this same shock treatment can work on my foot. Is that true?

My doctor wants to try a new experimental treatment for my plantar fasciitis. It's some kind of shock treatment. The treatment was explained to me, but no one said if it hurts or not. Can you tell me?

I tried the new shock-wave therapy for plantar fasciitis. I had nothing to lose since I've tried everything else except surgery. So far nothing has happened. Should I have another treatment? How long should I wait in between sessions?

I'm only 28-years old, and I've just tore my Achilles tendon. I thought this type of injury was more common in older men.

I really like wearing cowboy boots for everyday wear. Right now I have a torn Achilles tendon. How soon can I get back into my boots?

What is the best treatment for Achilles tendon rupture? Should I just leave it to heal on its own? Or is surgery a better way to go?

What is Morton's toe? My 13-year old daughter has been trying to learn toe-pointe dancing but extreme pain occurs every time she's up on pointe. The doctor says a Morton's toe is causing this pain.

What is a Charcot foot? My mother with diabetes has just been diagnosed with this problem.

My 16-year old son is on the high school track and field team. He is in two events: the long jump and the pole vault. He started getting foot pain at the end of last season that's come back again. The doctor says it's from his second toe being longer than the big toe. It looks to me like the big toe is shorter than the second toe. Does it make a difference which is which?

I've been told by a chiropractor that the best way to treat my ankle problem is with a manipulation. I really don't like having my joints snapped and popped. Is there any other way to fix the problem? I have a sprained ankle with cuboid syndrome.

I just came back from the doctor's office. I guess I have tendinosis of the Achilles. What is this?

I've had months and months of pain in my heel. The doctor says I have Achilles' tendinitis. I've tried drugs, therapy, exercises, massage, rest, and cortisone injections. I'm thinking about going for the new shock wave therapy next. Are there any side effects from this treatment?

Our son is a military cadet in basic training. He says he has a foot injury that may or may not be a navicular fracture. The X-ray was negative. His military career could be on the line here. Should he request an MRI or other more advanced imaging test?

What's the difference between a "stress reaction" and a "stress fracture"? The orthopedic surgeon is trying to decide if I have a stress reaction of the navicular bone in my left foot.

I have a condition called splayfoot. It looks pretty cool but will it cause me problems later on in life?

I notice I'm starting to get what looks like a bunion. Are there any exercises I can do to keep this from getting worse?

What are bunions and what causes them?

I started having what the doctor thought was plantar fasciitis about a year ago. After physical therapy didn't help it became obvious that something else was wrong. It seems I have a problem called Ledderhose disease. What's the best treatment for this condition?

I am really struggling with plantar fasciitis. I've finally decided to go get some help. What kind of treatment and results can I expect?

I am a long-distance runner and have been put off my training schedule because of plantar fasciitis. I also have a bone spur on one side. Does running cause the bone spur?

My mother has severe rheumatoid arthritis in her hands and feet. She wants to sign up for a Tai Chi class at the Senior Center. Is this safe? I have visions of her falling and breaking something while doing these exercises.

I'm a healthy, active senior and walk two to three miles almost every day. Many of my friends insist I have to come to Tai Chi with them. They say it builds strength and balance. Doesn't walking do the same thing?

My 55-year old husband is a sports nut and hurt himself playing basketball. The doctor thinks he has a torn Achilles tendon. How do you know when to do surgery and when to let it heal on its own? The doctor is leaving the decision up to us.

I was doing a lay up while playing a pick-up game of basketball. I had just landed from a jump and tried to jump again too soon. I felt a pop along the back of my ankle but there's no pain or swelling. I can walk, but I can't jump. Do I need to see a doctor or just give it time to heal?

My 17 year-old daughter complains of left heel pain first thing in the morning. It seems to go away during the day and gets worse again at night. I bought her new shoes but that didn't seem to help. What could be causing this?

I have a funny bump on the back of my right heel. It doesn't bother me unless I wear dress shoes. What could be causing this kind of bump?

Our daughter is taking martial arts including judo. Whenever she practices using one foot to hook the opponent's legs, she get shooting pain in her ankle. Sometimes she says there's numbness and tingling. The problem seems to be getting worse. What should we do? She hates to give up judo.

I've had the strangest sensations in both my feet. First I had mild pain in my right ankle and foot whenever I pointed my toes down toward the floor. Then sometimes it was a feeling of numbness and tingling. I was diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome (like carpal tunnel syndrome, only in the feet). Now I have the same feelings in both of my wrist and hands. Could it still be the same problem?

When I was a child my right ankle was fused to treat a case of severe flatfoot. Now I have ankle pain. Would a brace help me?

I've heard there's a good stretch that can be done for plantar fasciitis. Can you describe it?

I have plantar fasciitis on the right side. I've heard there's a night splint that can be used. Is this safe? Does it really work?

Our son is in the military and just reported he has a stress fracture of the talus bone in his foot. Will this result in a medical discharge?

Years ago I was a gymnast and competed nationally. At the end of my career, I had a stress fracture of the talus in my left foot. I notice it bothers me now and then if I'm on my feet too long or try to play too many sets of tennis. Now that I'm older, am I in danger of reinjuring this spot with overuse?

Our daughter is a top soccer player. We're hoping she will get a college scholarship to play on a team somewhere. This year she's developed a toe problem called sesamoiditis. Will this keep her out of the running, so-to-speak?

What is Helbing's sign?

I'm about to get a pair of shoe inserts (orthotics) for a foot condition that bothers me when I run. Since I'm on the cross country team at my high school, I'm hoping these inserts will help with my dropped arches. Is there some way to do a before and after test to see if they are working?

I've had plantar fasciitis for three years now. The doctor tells me this is much longer than the usual case. Most people are better after a few months, maybe as much as a year. I've run out of treatments to try. Is there anything new out there?

I've seen three different doctors for my plantar fasciitis. I've gotten three different suggestions for treatment. I've been told to leave it alone because it will eventually go away on its own. Orthotics have been suggested for inside my shoes. And I've been told to go see a physical therapist. What is the best treatment for this problem?

My husband is a middle-aged weekend warrior. He golfs, skis, plays handball, and any other sport that comes along. Last week he ruptured his Achilles tendon. He refuses to have surgery on it and says it will heal on its own. Is this reasonable? Or should I encourage him to have the operation?

I ruptured my Achilles tendon about six-months ago. I'm still not fully recovered. Would it help if I went back to physical therapy again?

I ruptured my left Achilles tendon over the weekend. The surgeon can't fit me into the schedule until next week. Is this going to delay my recovery?

I'm 42-years old and just had my first major sports injury while playing ball. I ruptured my Achilles tendon. I see lots of other guys my age (and older) who haven't ruptured their Achilles tendons. Why me?

I really hate how my right foot looks. For some reason, I've developed a bunion along the outside of my baby toe. Can they do anything to surgically correct this problem?

I'm starting to get a big bump on the outside of my little toe. It's right along the base of the toe where it meets the foot. It looks like a bunion. Can a person get such a thing on the little toe?

All the women in my family develop plantar fasciitis about the time they turn 50. Is this a genetic trait?

Last year I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am overweight but I'm working on it. This year I developed plantar fasciitis. Is this related to being overweight (too heavy for my feet) or is it somehow linked to my diabetes?

My father just came back from the doctor's convinced he needs his big toe amputated. He has diabetes and a host of other problems but this seems pretty drastic. Aren't there other ways to treat this without cutting the toe off?

My mother has very bad sugar diabetes along with crippling arthritis. She can no longer cut her toenails. They've gotten so long, I'm afraid to do it. She's convinced we should just leave them alone. What's the best way to take care of this problem?

I've heard of hip and knee replacements; is it possible to replace other painful joints, like a toe?

My mother is going to have a fusion of the bones in her toe because her osteoarthritis pain is so bad that she can barely walk. What will this do to her foot?

What is the true cause of bunions? I was always told they came from shoes with a pointy toe. But I've never worn shoes like that and I have a bunion.

I had bunion surgery that seemed to go pretty well at the time. But now it looks like my toe is going back out. Does this happen very often?

Our daughter has been training for the state Special Olympics in gymnastics. After a bad fall off the balance beam, she ruptured her Achilles' tendon. The doctor thinks she'll be out the rest of the season. Will it really take that long to heal? This is awfully important to her.

We had a Japanese exchange student live with us this summer. Just before his trip to the U.S., he ruptured his Achilles' tendon playing a game called sepaktakraw (kick volleyball). Two weeks after surgery, he was wearing a removable brace and putting full weight on his foot. Our son had this same surgery last year. He was in a cast for eight weeks. Do the Japanese have a different treatment for this injury?

We had a Japanese exchange student live with us this summer. Just before his trip to the U.S., he ruptured his Achilles' tendon playing a game called sepaktakraw (kick volleyball). Two weeks after surgery, he was wearing a removable brace and putting full weight on his foot. Our son had this same surgery last year. He was in a cast for eight weeks. Do the Japanese have a different treatment for this injury?

I just found out that the painful lump on my Achilles' tendon is called a tendinopathy. what can I do to get rid of this?

I'm 55-years old and in relatively good health. I have some risk factors for heart disease so I work out everyday. My favorite aerobic exercise is with the elliptical cross-trainer. But I notice the bottom of my left foot gets numb after about 20 minutes on this machine. What could be causing this?

I've been waking up at night and my feet feel like they are on fire. There is a burning sensation but it also feels numb at the same time. What could be causing this?

What does the too many toes sign mean? I took my son to see the orthopedic surgeon for a chronic problem with ankle pain. When he was showing us what's wrong, he used this term. But I don't really know what it means.

When I was in college, I ruptured my left Achilles' tendon. It was treated surgically and I had a long, slow recovery. Now I've ruptured the other side. This time the doctor did not recommend surgery. Why not?

I had an Achilles' tendon rupture 12 weeks ago. It was treated surgically. Now I've reinjured myself. It looks like the tendon might have re-ruptured. What do I do now?

I let myself be talked into having the fluid in my big toe drained. The procedure is tomorrow morning. But now I'm having second thoughts. How painful is this treatment?

I'm having a bad gout attack. My doctor wants to use a needle to draw fluid out of my big toe. But the toe is so puffed up and swollen, I don't see how he can even find the joint. Is it really safe to try?

I've just finished a six-week program to rehab a mild injury to my right Achilles' tendon. I've gotten my full motion back but the calf muscle and ankle are so stiff. Is there any way to improve this?

What's a good way to get over a strained Achilles' tendon? I've tried stretching it but that doesn't seem to be enough.

What is an Achilles' tendinopathy?

After six months of chronic calf pain, I went to see me doctor. I was afraid I might have a blood clot. I've been diagnosed with chronic Achilles' tendinopathy. I have a prescription for an antiinflammatory drug and physical therapy. Is this something I can just treat myself?

Why are some athletes more prone to hurting the Achilles tendon?

What are the treatment options for an inflamed Achilles tendon?

I have diabetes and some foot problems to go with it. Several of my friends in the local diabetes support group have special shoe inserts they swear by. What are these for?

Have you ever heard of a pedorthist? My orthopedic surgeon recommended I see one in our town for new shoes. What do they do?

I am a dance instructor for ballroom dancing. I take several teams of dancers to state and national competitions every year. I'm starting to develop painful bunions that are affecting my own dancing. If I have surgery for this, how long would I be off my feet?

I had a severe bunion operated on last year but it came back. After all the time it took to heal, I'm very disappointed. Does this happen very often?

I've broken my toe before so I know what it feels like. But, what is the best treatment for a broken toe if I decide not to go to a doctor?

I've heard that there are some stretches I can do for my plantar fasciitis. I would be very interested in trying these. What are they?

I'm starting to develop some heel pain that I think is plantar fasciitis. My sister also has this problem. She uses tape during the day and a night splint for sleep that seem to help her. Where can I get these for myself?

Last year our 79-year old grandfather developed a compartment syndrome of his left foot. It happened while he was running his 25th marathon! Much to our dismay, he's out running again. We thought he was going to lose his foot last time. Could he develop this problem again?

Last month, I developed an unusual case of compartment syndrome of the foot. No one knows exactly what brought it on. I've never had anything like this before, but I was training for a triathlon. It's possible I overdid it. My question is -- could I have gotten over this without surgery?

Do they make special shoes for people with flat feet to run in? I'd like to increase my exercise and activity, but I do have flat feet. They bother me when I run on them.

Do you think it makes any difference what kind of shoes I wear when I run? I don't run far -- maybe a mile. I try to get out two or three times a week. I have flatfeet and I don't want to injure myself running.

My mother has severe pain in her foot that her doctor said was arthritis. It's getting harder for her to walk - is there anything they can do for it?

I saw both my parents go downhill with pain in their feet from arthritis. Isn't there a way that doctors can tell early if someone is going to have such problems with their feet?

Whenever I exercise, the back of my foot, the tendon, hurts. What could be causing that?

I know two people who had ruptured tendons, one had a cast and one had surgery and a cast. Why the different treatments?

I hurt the middle part of my foot one day; it felt like something was broken. It's ok now, but aches off and on. Should I have gotten it checked? My friends told me not to bother because the doctors can't do anything for those bones anyway.

After I broke a bone in the middle of my foot, the doctor put a cast on right up to my knee. Wasn't that a bit of overkill? Could I not have just wrapped it and used crutches?

All my friends think I have plantar fasciitis. But I've had that before and this new heel pain doesn't feel the same. What else could it be?

Is there anything new in the world of plantar fasciitis? I've had this problem for 10 years now with no improvement. I've tried heel pads, orthotics, aspirin, night splints, and steroid injections. Nothing has helped. Ouch.

My friend told me that when you tear your Achilles tendon, it can happen anywhere along the tendon. I always thought it happened right around the ankle level. Who's right?

When I was running last week, I had to jump over a pot hole and I heard a pop in my leg. I had a sharp pain and had to walk the rest of the way home. My leg is a bit sore now, but it's not too bad as long as I favor my foot. Could I have torn my Achilles tendon?

Is it really true stem cell treatment works for tendonitis?

What's the best way to treat a ruptured Achilles tendon? I've been given two options: rehab without surgery or surgery and then rehab. What works best? Is there any advantage of one over the other?

I work as a certified nursing assistant in an extended care facility. I'm on my feet almost the entire shift. Last week I ruptured my Achilles tendon doing nothing at all. I'm off work now. But I'm wondering how I'm going to manage standing all day when I go back.

I tweaked my calf muscle while working out at the gym. I took a day off from exercising, but when I went back, it ruptured completely. Can you help me sort out the best way to treat this? Stay off my foot? Ace wrap? Aspirin or Ibuprofen?

Our 30-year-old adult son has Down Syndrome. He ruptured his Achilles tendon participating in the track and field events during Special Olympics this year. He still can hardly put any weight on that leg without pain. He has a heart condition and isn't a candidate for surgery. What else can be done to help him?

I'm a ballet instructor at the college level. I don't perform anymore but I do demonstrate steps to my students. Now I have a problem called osteochondral talus.. The pain and swelling limit my motion. Sometimes it feels like the joint gets stuck. What can be done about this?

I'm really concerned about my mother. She thinks she's some kind of fashion queen. But at age 77, we think her high-heeled slippers and fashion shoes are going to be the cause of a bad fall. What can we do to help her wear something more reasonable on her feet?

Our parents are coming out west to go hiking with us. We are concerned about how they will do on mountain trails that are rocky and uneven. They are in pretty good shape overall. Should we encourage them to buy a hiking shoe specifically designed for this kind of activity? Is it worth the money for just one vacation?

Is there anything new in the scientific pipeline for those of us who suffer from chronic gout? I'm having more and more trouble finding a drug that works when the attack comes on.