Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics
What is foot and ankle orthopaedics?
At Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, our orthopaedic surgeons are experienced in treating conditions that require surgery to repair the small bones and tendons of the foot and ankle. We are able to manage major injuries with our multidisciplinary team of surgeons and therapists as well as chronic conditions, such as those associated with arthritis.
What conditions are treated under foot and ankle orthopaedics?
Our Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre specialists treat a wide variety of food and ankle conditions. Some of the common conditions are:
● Achilles tendon tears which involves the rupturing of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone
● Fracture of the ankle or foot that can be caused by trauma or stress due to overuse or overtraining.
● Heel spurs which can be associated with plantar fasciitis and appear on the back of the heel.
● Tendonitis, a painful inflammation of the tendons in the feet and ankles, including the Achilles tendon.
● Bunion (hallux valgus), a condition that affects the joint at the base of the big toe, causing a bump to grow. This can be caused by ill-fitting shoes.
When should you see an orthopaedic surgeon for foot and ankle orthopaedics treatment?
If you have any ankle or foot ailment that does not resolve on its own, it is important to have it examined as such issues can get worse if left alone. You may wish to consider making an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist if you have:
● Persistent swelling that doesn’t improve at all after two to five days of home treatment
● Persistent pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks
● Burning pain, numbness, or tingling, particularly involving most or all of the bottom of your foot
● Sudden progression of a foot deformity
● Swelling of one leg or foot that persists for more than 24 hours
Did you know?
Adults who are overweight or obese are at higher risk of developing disabling foot pain with altered foot structure function. This in turn could give rise to foot complications such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis¹.
How do I maintain or improve my orthopaedic health after foot and ankle orthopaedics treatment?
After your treatment, your orthopaedic surgeon and medical care team is likely to give you some recommendations to maintain or improve your foot and ankle health. You may also wish to consider some lifestyle changes, such as:
● Resting immediately after treatment, as the body needs to heal especially if surgery is involved
● Staying active during your recovery period when you are at home
● Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight helps to reduce excessive strain on foot and ankle
● Eating nutritiously to help with the healing process. Ask your doctor if there are foods that you need to avoid.
What facilities and technologies do our specialists use for foot and ankle orthopaedics care?
At Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, our orthopaedic surgeons are experienced with the use of advanced imaging, rehabilitation, and other related orthopaedic services that a patient might need.
Some of the services that our orthopaedic surgeons are able to provide include:
● Minimally invasive bunion surgery
● Complex surgical procedures for fractures of the foot and ankle
● Repair and reconstruction of tendon tears, including the Achilles tendon of the ankle
● Foot and ankle conditioning programs designed to strengthen muscles, stabilize joints, and prevent future injury
● Non-surgical methods, including physical rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory therapies, and the use of orthotics.
[1] Mickle KJ, Steele JR. Obese older adults suffer foot pain and foot-related functional limitation. Gait Posture. 2015;42(4):442-447. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.07.013.
