Glossary
Arch -
The arch of the foot is the area of the bottom of the foot
between the heel pad and toe pad.
Bunion - an abnormal prominence
on the inner aspect of the first metatarsal head, with bursal
formation, and resulting in lateral or valgus displacement
of the great toe. Bunions can be caused by congenital malformation
of the bony structure of the foot or by joint disease such
as rheumatoid arthritis and are aggravated by wearing high-heeled
shoes with pointed toes. When the shoes do not fit properly
they force the great toe toward the outer side of the foot.
The result is continued pressure on the joint where the
great toe articulates with the first metatarsal head. Chronic
irritation causes a build-up of soft tissue and underlying
bone in the area. Symptoms are swelling, redness, and pain.
Mild cases can be relieved by changing to properly fitting
shoes. If there is severe pain making ambulation difficult
or impossible, anti-inflammatory agents may be effective.
Surgical correction (bunionectomy) is indicated when all
other measures fail.
Flatfoot - a condition in
which one or more arches of the foot have flattened out.
Forefoot - the front part
of the foot.
Fungus - a general term
for a group of organisms (mushrooms, yeasts, molds, etc.)
that reproduce by means of spores. Fungi are present in
the soil, air, and water, but only a few species can cause
disease. Although the fungal diseases develop slowly, are
difficult to diagnose, and are resistant to treatment, they
are rarely fatal except for systemic infections, which can
be life-threatening, especially for immunocompromised patients.
Gait analysis - evaluation
of the manner or style of walking, usually done by observing
the individual as he walks naturally in a straight line.
Metatarsus - the part of
the foot between the ankle and the toes, its skeleton being
the five bones (metatarsals) extending from the tarsus to
the phalanges.
Morton's neuralgia - pain
in the metatarsus of the foot.
Morton's toe - tenderness
or pain in the metatarsal area of the foot and in the third
and fourth toes caused by pressure on a neuroma of the branch
of the medial plantar nerve supplying these toes. The neuroma
is produced by chronic compression of the nerve between
the metatarsal heads. Called also plantar neuroma and Morton's
disease, foot, or neuralgia.
Pes cavus -a foot with an
abnormally high longitudinal arch, either congenital or
caused by contractures or disturbed muscle balance.
