Bone Disorders

Definition Broken nose or nasal fracture is a fracture (crack or break) of the nasal bones. In most cases, there is also some damage to nearby nasal cartilage, particularly the nasal septum, the flexible partition that divides the left and right sides of the nose. Because the nose has such …

Definition Anterior cruciate ligament injury passes in front of another ligament, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The cruciate ligaments get their name from the fact they form a cross within the knee as they run in different directions from the thigh to the shin bone. Along with the other ligaments …

Definition Bone spurs also called osteophytes, are outgrowths of bone that develop along the edges of bones, often where two or more bones meet. They can form in the back, hip, sole, or heel of the foot, spine, neck, shoulder, or knee. Most bone spurs are caused by tissue damage …

Definition Bursitis is a painful condition that happens when you have inflammation of a bursa. Bursae are small fluid-filled pads (or sacs) found near your joints. They act like cushions, reducing friction by allowing tendons and muscles to move smoothly over bones and other structures. One of the most common …

Definition Hammer toe is a painful foot deformity where the toe is bent at the middle joint. This condition resembles the head of a hammer, hence its nickname. The toe’s abnormal bending is the result of an imbalance in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that usually keep the toe straight. …

Definition Flat Feet (also known as pes planus) describes a condition in which the longitudinal (lengthwise) and/or medial (crosswise) arches of the foot are dropped down or flat. The entire bottom of the barefoot is in contact with the floor or ground surface during standing, walking, and other weight-bearing activities. …

Definition A Morton’s Neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) swelling along a nerve in the foot that carries sensations from the toes. The reason the nerve starts to swell is unknown. But once swelling begins, the nearby bones and ligaments put pressure on the nerve, causing more irritation and inflammation. This …

Definition Metatarsalgia is a pain in the ball of your foot. It is often caused by wearing shoes with thin soles and high heels. This puts extra pressure on the bones in the ball of the foot. Standing or walking on a hard surface for long periods also puts added …