My 14 yr old son was just diagnosed with tarsal coalition (Talocalcaneal coalition) by an Orthopedic (Sports ankle specialist). A CT scan was done and I have felt very comfortable with him. He explained to us that surgery was the best option since my son is an avid cross country and track runner. My question is, should we be getting a second option from a pediatric ortho?

I have a history of foot problems. I have had bunion surgery on both feet. The problem is that my tendons do not support my ankle bones. I have had, for the past 6 years - constant ankle pain. It seems to go from foot to foot and outside to inside. Once one side is feeling better the other side or foot begins to hurt. I wear orthodics. The 2 specialists I have seen have suggested that I walk as little as possible and that there is not much that they can do.

The specific treatment of ankle sprains depends on the location and type of injury. Most ankle sprains affect the lateral ankle (outside of the leg). But a medial (inside) ankle sprain can occur.

The sural nerve (also known as the short saphenous nerve) is a sensory nerve, which means it conveys sensory messages. Damage or compression of the sural nerve can result in burning pain and diminished sensation or loss of sensation (numbness).

Ankle sprains are fairly common, especially among athletes of all kinds. In this case report, a lateral ankle sprain (along the outside of the ankle) was accompanied by nerve damage. The patient was a 25-year-old professional dancer. The sural (sensory) nerve to the lower leg was affected.

In December of 2007, I had ORIF surgery to repair a right ankle syndesmosis injury with a fibula fracture just a few inches below the knee. In one week, I have another surgery scheduled to remove the hardware from the ankle. I did not see an orthopedic specialist during my pre-op appointments this week, so I did not have a chance to ask questions.

After this outpatient procedure to remove the screws and plate, will I have to go non-weight bearing again, and if so, for how long?

I recently tore my posterior tibial tendon resulting from over-aggressive professional physical therapy (on or about March 6th), following a surgery attempt to regenerate the same partially torn tendon using topaz injections (?) back in December. I visited a podiatrist for surgery measures, but he is not appearing to want to move quickly to initiate surgery. My foot /ankle is currently inside a boot (with an orthotic arch underneath my foot).

There is no standard screening tool for use with dancers at this time. Some of the elite preprofessional ballet boarding schools use various musculoskeletal screening tools. Professional ballet companies have physical therapists who work with the dancers to prevent and manage injuries.

It's wonderful that your mother is in good hands at home. Hospital staff don't always know all the details about a patient's home situation. And in the case of patients with diabetes, there are some very special concerns.

First of all, healing in this group can be very, very slow. Even with the best of care, the fracture may not heal. This can mean a nonunion or a malunion of the bones. Walking, balance, and coordination can be affected.

Many physicians believe that it's important for fracture patients who also have diabetes to be aware of the potential problems that can occur. Every effort must be made to avoid the kinds of serious complications that can develop in this group of patients.