Medical dictionary

The foot is a complex structure consisting in dozens of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and over a hundred tendons. Properly functioning feet are essential to walking and standing unaided. Our feet must fulfil four basic functions: act as a rigid lever to create the propulsive force needed for walking transfer the rotational forces produced by the hip adapt to uneven surfaces abs

  What is foot and ankle orthopaedics? Foot and ankle orthopaedics is a specialised area of medicine that focuses on treating problems with the feet and ankles. This can include issues like pain, injuries, and difficulty moving these body parts. Treatment can involve exercises, special devices, medications, or even surgery, depending on the specific problem. These issues can happen b

What is foot arthrodesis? Foot arthrodesis (foot fusion surgerry) is a surgical technique consisting of the artificial fusion of bones forming the joint, which become immobile after the surgery. Foot arthrodesis surgery is performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Why is foot arthrodesis done? The goal of the intervention is to relieve pain or to reduce any deformi

What is foot fracture (broken foot)?   A foot fracture is a break in any of the bones of the foot (tarsus, metatarsals and phalanges). The injury occurs by direct trauma or excessive load on the bone. The seriousness of a broken foot can vary. Fractures can range from tiny cracks in your bones to a break that pierces through your skin.       What are the sym

What is foot fungus (athlete's foot)? Athlete's foot or foot fungus is a contagious fungal disease known as tinea pedis. It can occur between the toes, on the heels, toenails etc. Athlete's foot is contagious and can last for a short or long time and may even reappear over time. It is common in athlete’s, hence its name. Prognosis Athlete’s foot is not a seriou

What is forensic psychiatry? Forensic psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry which helps mentally disordered people who are a risk to the public. Offenders in prisons, secure hospitals and members of the community with mental disorders are assessed and treated. The specialty also investigates the correlation between mental disorder and criminal behaviours and works with criminal justice agencies.

What is foreskin and what are the most common foreskin-related problems? The foreskin is a layered fold of skin which covers and protects the end of the penis in uncircumcised children and adults. While the foreskin does not need any special care in infancy or early childhood, later on in life it is important to correctly wash and care for the foreskin in order to prevent problems. Problem

What is a fracture? A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. There are many different kinds of fracture; the type often depends on the severity of the cause. The break may be total or partial. If the force of the trauma only slightly exceeded the breaking point, the bone may merely crack. However, in the case of extreme force, such as in a road traffic accident, the bone may be shat

What is a fractured ankle (broken ankle)?   A fractured ankle is a break in one of the three ankle bones (tibia, fibula and talus). These fractures may be partial (partially cracked bone), complete (perforated in two parts and bone), or may occur on one or both sides of the ankle. The injury may be caused by a fall or trauma.     What causes a broken ankle? &nb