Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system. This system is made up of muscles and bones, as well as joints, ligaments, and tendons.A person who specializes in orthopedics is known as an orthopedist. Orthopedists use both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as sports injuries, joint pain, and back problems.

In bone grafting surgery, an orthopedic surgeon uses bone from elsewhere in the body to repair and strengthen diseased or damaged bones.They may also source this bone from another person.

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses together adjoining vertebrae of the spine. This procedure allows the vertebrae to heal into a single, solid mass of bone.An orthopedic spine surgeon may perform a spinal fusion for a number of back and neck problems, including injuries to the vertebrae or intervertebral disks and scoliosis.

The phalanges are the bones in the toes. The second to fifth toes each contain three phalanges.From the back of the foot to the front, doctors call them the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges.The big toe or hallux contains only two phalanges, which are proximal and distal.The metatarsal phalangeal joints are the joints between the metatarsals and the proximal phalanx of each toe. These joints form the ball of the foot.

Arthritis can affect many different bones within the feet, but most commonly causes problems with the joints at the base of the big toe.This type of arthritis is known as big toe arthritis. Doctors may refer to it as hallux limitus or hallux rigidus.Big toe arthritis occurs when cartilage in the joint of the big toe begins to wear away. This can happen as a result of many years of repetitive upward movement of the joint.Certain activities, such as prolonged running and walking, can increase a person’s risk of developing arthritis in this area.

A hammer toe is a condition that usually affects toes other than the big toe. Instead of pointing straight out in front, these toes point downward, forming a claw shape.In most cases, the condition develops with age. It is usually the result of a muscle imbalance when the long muscles of the lower leg overpower the smaller muscles of the foot. This imbalance causes the toes to bend inward.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone, or calcaneus. Although they may cause some discomfort, they are rarely painful.However, heel spurs often develop as a result of a condition called plantar fasciitis, which can cause pain.Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation and thickening of the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that supports the arch of the foot.