Aircast boot – a splint that is used to support the leg after surgery, but that allows some movement and weight-bearing on the foot.

Arthroplasty – this is used to treat claw, mallet and hammer toes. The surgeon performs a number of minor procedures including releasing trapped or pinched soft tissue, and tendon lengthening to allow the toes to straighten.

Arthroscopy – the surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a tiny camera (an endoscope) into the joint. The image is shown on a video monitor, enabling the surgeon to make a thorough examination of the area. Once the diagnosis has been made, other small incisions are made to allow small surgical instruments to be inserted. The entire operation is carried out while looking at the monitor..

Articular cartilage – hard, slippery material that enables bones in the joints to move against each other smoothly. Has virtually no blood supply, so cannot be naturally replaced by the body.

Bone scan – a scan which involves injecting the patient with a small amount radioactive material. Tumours, fractures and infections in the bone absorb a greater amount of radioactive material than normal bone. A Gamma camera (scanner) is used to detect where there is more uptake of the material.

Bone spur – lump or outgrowth of the bone. Formed when the body tries to repair itself by producing more bone – usually in response to rubbing, pressure or stress over a period of time.

Bursa – flat, fluid-filled membrane that acts as a shock absorber and enables smooth movement in the joints.

Cartilage – see: articular cartilage and meniscus cartilage.

Claw toe – all three bones in the toe should form a straight line. With claw toe, the first bone in the toe is raised, the second two bones are pointing downwards. It is the result of one of the tendons in the foot contracting.

CT scan – an x-ray that takes three-dimensional pictures. Allows the surgeon to see the bones without shadows from other bones as on an x-ray.

Cyst – a lump that forms usually as a result of injury or damage to tissue. It is actually a membrane that contains fluid or a semi-solid substance.

Debridement – arthroscopic debridement is carried out on more minor damaged areas and is aimed at removing debris and smoothing surfaces to prevent or delay further progression of the problem..

Gait analysis – examination of the way the foot falls (foot function) as you walk or run. Often done on a treadmill with hi-tech video and measuring equipment. Used to help diagnose poorly functioning muscles, ligaments and bones in the lower leg and foot.

Graft – bone or tissue is taken from another part of the body and attached to another piece of bone. A hole may be drilled or a section cut off the bone to enable the donor tissue to fuse with the bone.

Hammer toe – all three bones in the toe should form a straight line. With hammer toe, the first bone of the toe is slightly raised, the second bone is tilted downwards and the bone at the tip is almost flat. It is the result of one of the tendons in the foot contracting.

Ligament – fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones

Mallet toe – all three bones in the toe should form a straight line. With mallet toe, the first two bones of the toe are in line, but slightly raised. The bone at the tip is pointing downwards. It is the result of one of the tendons in the foot contracting.

Meniscus cartilage – softer cartilage that acts as a cushion or shock absorber in the joints. Has virtually no blood supply so cannot be naturally replaced by the body.

MRI scan – or magnetic resonance imaging, is a method used by doctors to scan the human body to obtain diagnostic information. MRI uses magnetic fields, radio waves and sophisticated computers to generate images of the inner parts of the body in a non-inv`sive manner.

Open surgery – the procedure is carried out while looking straight at the area under surgery, without using cameras and monitors. Scarring is usually greater and healing takes longer than arthroscopy

Orthotics – special, custom-made inserts for shoes, designed to help the movement of foot function correctly. Used for many foot, knee and ankle-related problems, including ankle instability.

Osteoarthritis – there are about 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common is degenerative or osteoarthritis. It usually occurs in people over 50, often as a result of previous injury to a joint, or simply the wearing away of cartilage. The disease causes bones to become misshapen, which affects the movement of the joint, and usually also results in soft tissue damage.

Osteoporosis – a disease of the bone where the density of the bone reduces. Bones with this condition are more likely to fracture.

Sprain – the over-stretching of ligaments, usually as a result of a violent twisting action on a joint. A sprain results in stretching or tearing of the ligaments. Minor sprains only stretch the ligament. A tear may be either a complete tear of all the strands of the ligament or a partial tear of only some of the strands.

Tendon – fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bone