Foot And Ankle

Conditions that affect foot and ankle
 

• Ankle Sprain: An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are torn or stretched. This injury, which can result in discomfort, pain, and trouble walking, is frequently brought on by an abrupt twisting or rolling of the ankle.
• Plantar Fasciitis: The thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that links the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed and is a typical cause of heel discomfort. It frequently exhibits severe pain in the morning or following extended periods of rest.
• Achilles Tendonitis: An injury to the Achilles tendon, which is situated in the back of the ankle, can cause inflammation and pain. Overuse, severe strain, or a rapid increase in physical activity are common causes of this illness.
• Bunions: The joint at the base of the big toe can develop bony lumps known as bunions. They may result in pain, swelling, and deformity, making it difficult to walk and wear specific shoes.
• Ingrown Toenails: An ingrown toenail is one where the corner or side of the nail digs into the skin, resulting in discomfort and redness. They can cause infection if not handled.
   

How do we diagnose you?

Depending on the particular symptoms and suspected problems, many diagnostic tests may be used to accurately identify foot and ankle diseases. Typical diagnostic procedures for issues with the feet and ankles include:

• X-rays: X-rays give precise pictures of the bones and joints, making them useful for diagnosing structural anomalies, arthritis, fractures, and dislocations.
• MRI scans, or magnetic resonance imaging, provide a more thorough look into soft tissues including cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This is especially helpful in identifying problems such as soft tissue anomalies, ligament damage, and tendonitis.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans can be used to produce fine-grained cross-sectional pictures of the bones and joints. These images can be very helpful when evaluating complicated fractures, anomalies in the joints, or disorders that call for a more thorough examination.
• Ultrasound: This type of imaging works well for visualizing soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons, and can aid in the diagnosis of diseases including soft tissue tumours and tendinitis.
• Bone Scan: By identifying areas with elevated bone activity, a bone scan may be indicated to discover abnormalities in the bone structure, stress fractures, or conditions such as osteomyelitis.
• Tests that evaluate nerve function include nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG), which are useful in the diagnosis of diseases such as peripheral neuropathy and nerve entrapment syndromes.
• Blood Tests: In rare circumstances, blood tests may be carried out to detect systemic diseases like arthritis or infections that are causing issues with the feet and ankles.
• Gait analysis evaluates a person's walking and movement patterns and offers insights into the biomechanical difficulties that lead to foot and ankle disorders.

Treatment

At Surya Hospital Orthopaedics Facility, we provide a broad range of treatment options to address different foot and ankle issues. Our knowledgeable staff closely collaborates with each patient to create individualised treatment plans that may include:

Non-surgical Procedures:

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) for acute injuries
• Exercises for physical therapy to increase power, flexibility, and stability
• Customized shoe inserts that offer support and reduce pressure
• Medications to treat inflammation and pain
   

Procedures with Minimal Invasion:

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a tiny camera and small incisions to view and treat diseases of the joints.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A pain-relieving, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to promote healing.
   

Surgical Procedures:

• Bunionectomy: Surgically realigning the toe joint and removing the bunion.
• Achilles tendon repair: Surgical restoration of the torn tendon in the heel.
• Surgery to treat severe ankle arthritis or abnormalities may involve ankle fusion or replacement.