Foot and toes

Abstract

The structures of the foot and toes are typically superficial and can be visualized easily by ultrasound. These include the sinus tarsi, plantar fascia, interdigital nerves, arteries and veins, as well as subtalar, metatarsophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints. Shallow depth and high-frequency settings on the ultrasound machine allow for best visualization of the involved structures. Visualization is best achieved with the structure being examined positioned toward the examiner. Pathologies typically encountered in the foot and toes include plantar fasciitis, sinus tarsi syndrome, nerve entrapments, interdigital neuromas, arthritidities, fractures, and sprains. Care should be taken to avoid injecting the subtalar joint from the posteromedial approach due to close proximity to the posterior tibial artery and veins and tibial nerve. Interdigital nerves typically appear fusiform and continuous with the interdigital nerve.