Foot & Ankle
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Symptoms
The foot and ankle are complex, weight-bearing structures made up of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that support standing, walking, and balance. When pain, instability, or stiffness develops, it can affect not only mobility but also posture and overall physical function. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent chronic issues and support long-term joint health.
Foot Pain or Ankle Pain
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Pain may occur suddenly or gradually and is often related to injury, inflammation, or overuse. Persistent or worsening discomfort should be evaluated to identify any underlying condition.
Swelling or Bruising
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Swelling around the ankle or foot may follow injury or result from inflammatory conditions. If swelling persists or occurs without clear cause, medical assessment is recommended.
Instability or Weakness
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Frequent “giving way” of the ankle, difficulty balancing, or loss of strength may indicate ligament damage or tendon dysfunction.
Limited Motion or Stiffness
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Restricted movement in the foot or ankle can make walking, climbing stairs, or wearing certain shoes difficult. Often related to arthritis, tendon tightness, or joint injury.
Numbness or Tingling
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Loss of sensation, pins and needles, or burning may signal nerve compression or conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Lumps, Bumps, or Deformities
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Bony or soft tissue enlargements such as bunions, ganglion cysts, or heel spurs may become painful or restrict footwear choices and walking.
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions and Their Treatments
The foot and ankle form a highly adaptable and durable structure that supports body weight and absorbs impact with every step. When damaged or overworked, various conditions can lead to pain, instability, or dysfunction. Below are common diagnoses we treat, along with standard treatment options.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Overview: Inflammation or tearing of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. Common in runners and active individuals.
Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy, heel lifts, anti-inflammatory medications. In severe or ruptured cases, surgical repair may be required.
Ankle Sprains and Instability
Overview: Stretching or tearing of the ankle ligaments due to twisting injuries. Repeated sprains may result in chronic instability.
Treatment: RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), bracing, physiotherapy. Surgery may be considered for persistent instability or severe ligament damage.
Plantar Fasciitis
Overview: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue along the sole of the foot, causing heel pain especially in the morning.
Treatment: Stretching exercises, orthotics, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.
Ankle and Foot Arthritis
Overview: Degeneration or inflammation of joints in the foot or ankle, often causing stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications, supportive footwear, orthotics, physiotherapy. Severe cases may benefit from joint fusion or replacement surgery.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
Overview: Deformity of the big toe joint causing the toe to angle toward the second toe, often with a prominent bump on the side of the foot.
Treatment: Footwear modification, padding, orthotics. Surgical correction may be recommended for severe or painful deformities.
Toe Deformities (e.g., Hammertoes)
Overview: Abnormal bending of the toe joints, often due to imbalance in muscles or tendons. May cause discomfort, corns, or difficulty wearing shoes.
Treatment: Padding, splints, custom footwear. Surgery may be needed if the toe becomes rigid or painful.
Heel Spurs
Overview: Bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.
Treatment: Rest, heel pads, orthotics, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery is rarely needed.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Overview: A condition in which the arches of the foot collapse, resulting in an uneven distribution of weight. May lead to pain or fatigue.
Treatment: Arch supports, proper footwear, stretching exercises. In severe or symptomatic cases, reconstructive surgery may be considered.
Morton’s Neuroma
Overview: Thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, typically causing burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot.
Treatment: Footwear changes, orthotics, corticosteroid injections. Surgical excision of the neuroma may be required for persistent symptoms.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Overview: Compression of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle. Symptoms include burning, tingling, or numbness.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications, braces, nerve gliding exercises. Surgery may be performed to decompress the nerve if conservative measures fail.
Ankle Fractures
Overview: Breaks in one or more bones of the ankle, often caused by falls or trauma. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight.
Treatment: Immobilization with a cast or boot for stable fractures. Displaced or complex fractures often require surgical fixation with plates and screws.