In each issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there is a special section called Perspectives on Modern Orthopaedics. In that section, new or controversial techniques are discussed. The authors review the literature and summarize current understanding about the topic at hand. And they offer their own opinions from personal experience.

Bunions. They are more than just ugly toes. The medical term is hallux valgus. Hallux refers to the big toe. Valgus describes the awkward angle that forms as the base of the metatarsal bone drifts away from the rest of the foot. Surgery for the deformity is more than just for cosmetic reasons. Hallux valgus can be very painful and disabling.

Imagine treating a patient with a musculoskeletal problem who can't wear a brace, can't have the joint taped, doesn't go to the doctor until a small problem becomes a big one, and often doesn't have health insurance. Those are the challenges orthopedic surgeons face when treating professional dancers.

Your uncertainty and indecision is no surprise. Despite the fact that every year, many people (athletes and nonathletes alike) injure their Achilles tendons, the best way to treat these injuries is still up in the air.

Tendon disorders of the foot and ankle come in all sizes and shapes. There are overuse injuries, tendinosis, paratenonitis, bursitis, and both acute and chronic Achilles tendon ruptures.

Despite the fact that every year, many people (athletes and nonathletes alike) injure their Achilles tendons, the best way to treat these injuries is still up in the air. Should you use ice? Are steroid injections helpful? Wear a cast? Have surgery? If surgery is needed, the questions start over. What kind of surgery? How invasive? Would a tendon transfer help?

You might not realize it, but a fracture of the long bone in the foot to the little toe can be a very serious injury. It's called a fifth metatarsal fracture and it's most often seen in athletes. What makes this such a problematic injury?

Fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone can be very complex and a challenge to treat. They don't always heal well. If the ends of the bone pull apart, getting them back together and keeping them there while healing takes place isn't always a straightforward and easy task.

You might not realize it, but a fracture of the long bone in the foot to the little toe can be a very serious injury. It's called a fifth metatarsal fracture and it's most often seen in athletes. What makes this such a problematic injury?

I have been diagnosed as having fractured sesamoids in both feet - both the medial and lateral in the left foot and the medial in the right foot. THis was caused mostly by walking - I also have a high arch and a dropped first metatarsal head so was pre-disposed to the injury too. Anyway ... I am currently on my second try at getting orthotics made. So far, neither pedorthist has been able to get it right and I can babrely walk more than a couple of blocks without pain and subsequent swelling over the next few days. This is very frustrating as I was very active beforehand.