Category: T

Thick toenails

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Dermatology & nail pathology, T

Thick toenails, also known as onychauxis, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It is usually caused by an overgrowth of the nail plate, which can make the nail appear thicker and more yellowed than normal. Some of the common causes of thick toenails include:

Fungal Infection: This is the most common cause of thick toenails. Fungal infections, also known as onychomycosis, can cause the nails to become discoloured, thickened, and brittle.
Trauma: If you have injured your toenail, it may grow back thicker than before. This is because the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth, may have been damaged during the injury.
Aging: As you age, your toenails may grow more slowly and become thicker.
Systemic Illness: Certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease, can cause thick toenails.
Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing thick toenails due to their genetic makeup.

Treatment for thick toenails depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a fungal infection, anti-fungal medication may be prescribed to treat the infection. In some cases, oral medication or topical medication may be used. If the cause is trauma or injury, the nail may need to be removed or the underlying condition treated. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the problem. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing thick toenails, as they can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Tennis injuries of the foot & ankle

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Sports, T

Tennis is a popular sport that involves a lot of running, jumping, and sudden stops and starts, which can put a lot of stress on the feet and ankles. Some of the most common injuries associated with tennis include:

Ankle Sprains: These occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains are a common injury in tennis, especially when players change direction quickly or land awkwardly after jumping.
Plantar Fasciitis: This condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is often characterized by pain in the heel and arch of the foot, and can be caused by overuse or poor footwear.
Achilles Tendonitis: This is an overuse injury that occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. Achilles tendonitis can cause pain and stiffness in the back of the heel and ankle, and may be more common in players who play frequently on hard surfaces.
Stress Fractures: Tennis players are at risk for stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle. Stress fractures are often caused by overuse and can be more common in players who play frequently or who have recently increased the intensity or duration of their training.
Toe Injuries: Tennis players may also experience injuries to the toes, such as bruising or fractures. These injuries can be caused by running and jumping, or by the repeated impact of serving.

Prevention of tennis injuries to the foot and ankle involves proper conditioning, using appropriate footwear, and using proper technique when playing. Additionally, players should take rest and recovery time to avoid overuse injuries. If an injury does occur, early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further damage and facilitate a faster recovery.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Hindfoot, T

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the tibial nerve, which runs down the leg and into the foot, is compressed as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the ankle called the tarsal tunnel. This can result in pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot and ankle, as well as weakness and muscle atrophy in severe cases.

The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome may be similar to those of other conditions affecting the foot and ankle, such as plantar fasciitis or nerve entrapment in the foot. Therefore, a thorough physical examination, along with imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or nerve conduction studies, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Conservative treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome may include rest, icing, physical therapy, and wearing supportive footwear or orthotics. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed to help relieve pain and inflammation.

In more severe cases or when conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on the tibial nerve by removing any structures that may be compressing it.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing long-term complications such as chronic pain, muscle atrophy, and nerve damage. If you experience persistent foot or ankle pain or notice any unusual symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Tarsal coalition

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Hindfoot, Paediatrics, T

Tarsal coalition is a condition where two or more bones in the foot are abnormally fused together, resulting in limited mobility and pain. It is typically a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth, and it often becomes symptomatic during adolescence.

The most common type of tarsal coalition involves the calcaneus bone (heel bone) and the talus bone (bone between the heel bone and the ankle bone), but it can also occur between other bones in the foot.

Symptoms of tarsal coalition may include pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected foot, particularly during physical activity or standing for prolonged periods. In some cases, the affected foot may also appear to be flat or have a high arch.

Diagnosis of tarsal coalition may involve a physical exam, imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans, and sometimes, bone scans or MRI.

Treatment for tarsal coalition may depend on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of fusion between the affected bones. Conservative treatment options may include rest, immobilisation with a cast or brace, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the abnormal bone or to fuse the affected bones together in a more functional position.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent foot pain or notice any unusual symptoms, as untreated tarsal coalition can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain and arthritis.

Talar dome lesion

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Ankle, T

A talar dome lesion is a type of injury that occurs in the cartilage and bone of the talus, which is the bone in the ankle that connects the foot to the leg. The injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as an ankle sprain or fracture, or by repetitive stress on the ankle joint.

The symptoms of a talar dome lesion may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. In some cases, the ankle may also feel unstable or give way.

Diagnosis of a talar dome lesion may involve a physical exam, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, and in some cases, arthroscopy to visualise the inside of the joint.

Treatment for a talar dome lesion may depend on the severity and location of the injury. Conservative treatments may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), immobilisation with a cast or brace, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the damaged tissue. This may involve procedures such as micro-fracture, drilling, or cartilage transplantation to stimulate the growth of new cartilage and promote healing.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent ankle pain or notice any unusual symptoms, as untreated talar dome lesions can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, arthritis, and joint instability.

Tailor’s bunion

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, T

A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a painful bump that develops on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It is similar to a regular bunion, which develops on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe.

Tailor’s bunions are usually caused by an inherited structural abnormality in the foot that results in the little toe leaning inward, causing pressure and friction on the outside of the foot. Other factors that can contribute to the development of a tailor’s bunion include wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, foot injuries, and arthritis.

Symptoms of a tailor’s bunion may include pain, swelling, redness, and a visible bump on the outside of the foot. Treatment for a tailor’s bunion may involve conservative measures such as wearing wider shoes, padding or cushioning the affected area, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying structural problem and remove the bony bump.

Prevention of tailor’s bunions involves wearing comfortable, properly fitting shoes that provide enough room for the toes to move freely. Avoiding high heels and shoes with narrow toe boxes can also help reduce the risk of developing a tailor’s bunion. If you experience persistent foot pain or notice any unusual bumps or growths on your feet, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.