Foot & Ankle Care: Restoring Function and Mobility
Your feet and ankles play a crucial role in your everyday movements, providing stability, support, and enabling activities like walking, running, and jumping. When problems arise in these areas, it can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. At our orthopaedic clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, ensuring you get back to your active life as quickly and safely as possible.
Common Foot & Ankle Conditions
- Ankle Sprains and Ligament Injuries
- Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to twisting or rolling the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.
- Treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the R.I.C.E. method), along with physical therapy and bracing. Severe sprains may require surgical intervention to repair the ligaments.
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed, usually from repetitive stress or overuse.
- Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Treatment options include stretching exercises, orthotics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, injections or surgery.
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain, especially in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities.
- Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness along the back of the ankle. Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, with surgery considered for chronic or severe cases.
- Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
- A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused by abnormal alignment of the joint. Bunions can be painful, especially when wearing shoes, and can limit mobility.
- Conservative treatments include wearing wider shoes, using padding, and wearing orthotics. In more severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the toe and relieve pain.
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
- Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back.
- Treatment options include custom orthotics, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery to correct the alignment and improve foot function.
- Hammer Toe
- Hammer toe is a deformity in which one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. This condition often develops due to wearing tight shoes or as a result of muscle imbalances.
- Treatment options include wearing comfortable shoes with adequate toe space, toe exercises, and in some cases, surgery to realign the toe joint.
- Ankle Arthritis
- Arthritis in the ankle joint can occur as a result of wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or injury (post-traumatic arthritis). Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.
- Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections, or, in severe cases, ankle fusion or replacement surgery.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through a narrow tunnel in the ankle. This condition can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and ankle.
- Treatment options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, surgery to release the nerve compression.
- Stress Fractures
- Stress fractures are small, hairline cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle, often caused by repetitive impact or overuse. They are common in athletes, especially those who run or jump frequently.
- Treatment includes rest, avoiding weight-bearing activities, and in some cases, casting or surgical intervention if the fracture is severe or does not heal properly.
- Sesamoiditis
- Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the small bones (sesamoids) beneath the big toe joint, usually caused by repetitive pressure or high-impact activities. It leads to pain, especially when walking or standing on the ball of the foot.
- Treatment often includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom footwear or orthotics. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Treatment Options for Foot & Ankle Conditions
- Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can help improve strength, flexibility, and overall function of the foot and ankle.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Orthotics: Custom-designed shoe inserts can provide support, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on specific areas of the foot or ankle.
- Bracing: Ankle braces or supports can help stabilize the joint, reduce pain, and prevent further injury.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- For conditions such as bunions, tendon injuries, or certain fractures, minimally invasive surgical techniques may be used to correct alignment, remove damaged tissue, or stabilize the joint. These procedures typically involve smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
- Foot & Ankle Reconstruction Surgery
- In more complex cases, such as severe arthritis, ligament tears, or structural deformities, more extensive surgical procedures may be necessary. These can include procedures like ankle fusion, tendon repair, or joint replacement, depending on the condition and the extent of damage.
- Ankle Replacement Surgery
- For patients with severe ankle arthritis or damage, total ankle replacement surgery may be recommended to remove the damaged joint and replace it with a prosthetic. This can help alleviate pain and restore function.
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips
Taking preventive measures and maintaining foot and ankle health can help reduce the risk of injury and discomfort:
- Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well, provide adequate support, and are appropriate for your activities. Avoid tight, high-heeled, or poorly fitting shoes that can contribute to foot deformities.
- Strengthen Your Feet and Ankles: Regular exercises that strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles can help prevent injuries and improve stability.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight can place unnecessary strain on the feet and ankles, contributing to conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
- Stretch Regularly: Stretching the feet, calves, and ankles can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Avoid Overuse: If you’re an athlete or engage in high-impact activities, make sure to take regular breaks and avoid excessive stress on your feet and ankles.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention from an orthopaedic specialist:
- Persistent pain, swelling, or bruising in the foot or ankle
- Difficulty walking, standing, or bearing weight
- Limited range of motion or stiffness in the foot or ankle
- Deformity, such as a bunion or hammertoe
- Numbness or tingling in the foot
Your Path to Recovery
Foot and ankle pain can have a profound impact on your mobility and overall quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or a structural issue, our orthopaedic specialists are dedicated to finding the best treatment plan for you, helping you get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you’re struggling with foot or ankle pain or injury, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopaedic specialists. We are committed to providing the care you need to restore your function and improve your quality of life.
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