The foot comprises of a total of 26 bones. A joint is form when 2 bones meet with the support of ligaments holding them together.
These joints give our foot and ankle the flexibility to move. The bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, joints and nerves work closely together to give us this mobility. An injury on any of the structure will hinder mobility as a whole, cause great pain, and affects quality of life.
Foot and Ankle
What Causes Foot & Ankle Pain
There are many causes for foot and ankle pain. Many of which occur during sports and recreational activities. Some of the common causes of foot and ankle pain can be attributed to wearing badly fitted shoes, wear and tear of muscles/joints, arthritis, and in severe cases – nerve damage. These injuries can happen to anyone at any age. People who engage in sports or physically demanding work are more prone to these injuries due to exertion and reliance on the feet and ankle.
Common Conditions that Cause Foot and Ankle Pain
Acute injuries
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is due to wear and tear of the Achilles tendon that connects your calf muscles to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is crucial for walking, running, and jumping, thus it is easily overused, causing it to be more susceptible to injuries. The tendon also weakens with age. With Achilles Tendonitis, you will experience pain, tenderness, and stiffness at the back of the leg or above the heel. Persistent pain required immediate medical attention as it may be a torn Achilles tendon.
Achilles tendon rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture is a torn Achilles tendon which is usually caused due to sports. When the Achilles tendon is overstretched, it may tear partially or completely. Depending on the severity of the tear, surgery is often recommended to repair the tendon. Most people will feel pain and swelling in the heel. They’re usually unable to stand on their toes with the injured leg.
Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture is when one or more bones that make up the ankle is broken. This may be caused from twisting or rolling the ankle which usually happens due to uneven terrain or from a fall. An ankle fracture can also cause injury to the ligaments and nerves around the ankle. Pain, swelling, and tenderness are very common symptoms. In severe cases, visible deformity in the ankle is present due to dislocation of the joint.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a very common injury. This is usually caused when stepping on uneven terrain, tripping, or falling. An ankle sprain is when the ankle rolls or rotates forcefully, causing the ligaments around the ankle to tear. Symptoms of an ankle sprain are usually swelling, pain, and tenderness on the injured ankle. Most ankle sprains can be treated without the need for surgery. Even with a full ligament tear can be treated if immobilized properly. It is advisable to see a specialist if pain and swelling persists.
Ankle instability
Ankle instability usually occurs when there is a complete tear in a ligament or when then ankle joint is dislocated completely. Ankle instability causes your ankle to be susceptible to sprains and if left untreated, it could require surgery to rectify the issue. If detected early, necessary treatment like physiotherapy and immobilization of the joint until the ligaments are fully healed could prevent future reinjury.
Ankle Ligament Tear
An ankle ligament tear can be treated with non-invasive procedures. With proper immobilization treatment and physiotherapy, the injury can fully recover albeit it takes a longer time as compared to a sprain. In the event where conservative treatment does not work, there would be a need for surgery to repair the torn ligament.
Broken Femur
Being the strongest bone in the human body, a broken femur is usually caused by a relatively strong force on the bone or it may be due to underlying bone issues that weakened the femur. A broken femur causes severe pain, swelling, and deformity. In severe cases, the bone may protrude out the skin which increases chances of infection. To prevent long-term disability and chronic pain, a broken femur has to be treated immediately. Both conservative and invasive treatment are recommended based on the severity of the fracture.
Overuse injuries
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs called bursae, located near large joints like the shoulder, hips, knees, and elbows gets inflamed. Bursitis is due to the overuse of joints which is why it is most commonly found in the hips, shoulders and elbows. An affected joint would feel pain, swelling, and stiffness. Conservative treatments like medication, rest, and immobilization of the affected joint is usually sufficient for a full recovery.
Plantar Fasciitis
The causes of plantar fasciitis are still unclear till today. The plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue at the bottom of the feet that connects the heel bone to the toes. Pain is usually felt when standing for long period or when standing up after sitting. First steps after resting also causes pain which normally decreases when moving. Medication and physical therapy are usually suggested when treating plantar fasciitis. Special custom-fitted arch supports can also be recommended. In severe cases, injections and even surgeries may be required to treat the issue.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone that is most commonly caused by repetitive force or from overuse. This injury is common in athletes and people who are overweight as the bones have to be subjected to higher pressure from the weight and overuse. Proper diagnosis and treatment is required or the fracture may get worse and potentially lead to arthritis.
Foot Deformities
Bunion
A bunion is a progressive deformity that is usually caused by wearing narrow shoes that squeeze the toes together. A bunion forms under the big toe, at its joint. Having a bunion causes great discomfort and pain. The inflammation can lead to stiffness, causing difficulty when walking. There are no conservative methods of treatment, removing a bunion requires surgery.
WHY CHOOSE US
Foot and Ankle Problems that we can help you with
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Deformities
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Ligament tears
- Swelling and pain in the joints
- Limited mobility due to stiffness
Fast Medical Attention
Transparent Fees
More Than 10 Years of Medical Experience
Get In Touch with Us
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Our Locations
Pinnacle Orthopaedic Group (Parkway East)
Parkway East Medical Centre
319 Joo Chiat Place #03-05
Singapore 427989
Pinnacle Orthopaedic Group (Novena)
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road #04-26
Singapore 329563
Pinnacle Orthopaedic Group (Alvernia)
Mount Alvernia Medical Centre Block D
820 Thomson Road #05-55
Singapore 574623
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 12:30PM
Clinic Hotline:
+65 6690 5151 (24 Hrs)