Foot and Ankle Specialist in Singapore

Foot and ankle specialists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and managing various conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg regions. They work closely with patients of all ages, from addressing common foot problems in children and adults to managing complex injuries and chronic conditions in athletes and the elderly.

Foot and ankle specialists also play a pivotal role in preventive care, educating patients on maintaining foot health, avoiding injuries, and providing guidance on proper footwear.

Foot and ankle specialists are adept at diagnosing and managing various conditions that can affect individuals of any age. These are some of the most prevalent conditions:

• Plantar Fasciitis
  This condition is characterised by plantar fascia inflammation, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot and connecting the heel bone to the toes.
  Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially among runners and individuals who are overweight or wear shoes with inadequate support.
• Achilles Tendinitis
  Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is often the result of repetitive stress to the tendon, leading to pain and swelling near the heel. Active individuals and athletes frequently encounter this condition.
• Ankle Sprains and Fractures
  Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. Ankle fractures involve a break in one or more ankle joint bones.
  Both injuries result from trauma, such as twisting the ankle or falling, and they are among the most common injuries treated by foot and ankle specialists.
• Bunions
  Bunions are bony bumps on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the big toe to deviate towards the other toes. It can result from wearing tight, narrow shoes or may be hereditary.
• Arthritis
  Arthritis can affect one or multiple joints in the feet and ankles, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms affecting these areas. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining joint function.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial in effectively managing and treating foot and ankle conditions. Here are some of the primary diagnostic techniques used:

Clinical Examination:
The initial step in diagnosing foot and ankle conditions involves a thorough clinical examination. Specialists assess the foot and ankle’s physical condition, including the skin, alignment, structure, and the presence of any deformities.

Radiography (X-rays):
X-rays are a fundamental imaging technique used to visualise the foot and ankle bones. They help in diagnosing fractures, dislocations, and signs of arthritis. X-rays can also reveal changes in the alignment of bones that may indicate the presence of conditions such as bunions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
MRI scans provide detailed images of the foot and ankle’s soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This imaging technique is useful in diagnosing soft tissue injuries, such as ligament tears, tendonitis, and muscle strains, as well as assessing the severity of such injuries.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:
CT scans offer cross-sectional images of the foot and ankle, providing more detailed information than standard X-rays. They are useful in evaluating complex fractures and in planning surgical procedures.

Ultrasound:
Ultrasound imaging is used to visualise soft tissue structures in real-time. It is beneficial in diagnosing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and soft tissue masses.

Specialists often recommend non-surgical options as the first line of therapy for various conditions. These treatments aim to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility without the need for invasive procedures.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves a range of exercises and techniques designed to strengthen the muscles around the foot and ankle, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion.

Orthotic Devices

Custom orthotic devices, such as insoles or braces, can provide support and alleviate pain by correcting abnormal foot and ankle alignment.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with various foot and ankle conditions. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to provide more significant relief from inflammation.

Surgical interventions are considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or when the nature of the condition necessitates a more direct approach.

• Ankle Arthroscopy
  Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with tiny cameras and instruments inserted into the joint through small incisions. This enables the surgeon to remove loose fragments, address cartilage damage, and treat infections or scarring within the joint.
• Ankle Ligament Stabilisation
  This procedure is performed to repair or reinforce the ligaments around the ankle that have been stretched or torn. Ankle ligament stabilisation helps restore ankle stability, preventing future sprains and reducing the risk of chronic ankle instability.
• Ankle Fracture Fixation
  Ankle fracture fixation involves the surgical realignment of broken bones in the ankle and holding them together with hardware such as screws, plates, nails, or pins. This procedure aims to restore the normal anatomy of the ankle, ensuring proper healing and function.
• Achilles Tendon Repair
  Achilles tendon repair surgery is performed to treat a ruptured Achilles tendon. The procedure involves stitching the torn tendon fibres back together to allow them to heal properly. This surgery aims to restore the normal function of the tendon, enabling patients to return to their regular activities and sports.
• Bunion Correction Surgery
  Bunion correction surgery addresses the big toe joint’s misalignment, resulting in a bony protrusion on the side of the foot. The surgery may involve realigning the bone, correcting the toe position, and removing the bony bump, thereby relieving pain and improving foot function.
• Metatarsal Fracture Fixation
  Metatarsal fracture fixation involves surgically treating broken bones in the metatarsus, the part of the foot between the ankle and toes. It typically uses pins, screws, or plates to secure the bones in the correct position, allowing them to heal properly and restore foot function.