Foot & Ankle

Podiatrists are specialized health professionals who deal with the treatment of foot and ankle disorders. They treat foot and ankle problems seen in patients with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and peripheral artery disease. Pediatric foot deformities, foot and ankle injuries including sprains, fractures, wounds, infections, and heel pain are also examined appropriately by a podiatrist.

Flat feet, also called “fallen arches”, are caused due to imbalance in muscles or tendon in the foot and it is hereditary. The condition may not cause any pain in some, but few people do suffer from severe pain, and seek a podiatrist’s advice. An individual with flat feet may feel pain in the arch portion, along the ball of the foot, or even in the knee. Custom orthotic therapy is a treatment option to manage the pain associated with flat feet. Custom insoles, arch supports or orthotic devices may be worn to provide stability to your flat feet.

A bunion is a bony prominence that appears as a bump along the side of the big toe. It is a result of an abnormal tendon or muscle balance in the foot. The presence of a bunion may cause pain due to pressure over the bony prominence applied by the shoes. It may also irritate the nerve on the side of the foot.

A painful bunion requires treatment. If the pressure increases, a fluid-filled sac called a bursa may develop, and cause swelling and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), splints, and orthotic devices may alleviate the pain. Surgical treatment is required to get rid of the deformity.

Most importantly, whether you are on therapy or medications, it is better to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Usually, patients with diabetes are likely to develop neuropathy, which appears as a burning, tingling, or a feeling of numbness in the feet. In such conditions, you may tend to have open wounds on your feet, which you may not even realize. You will be at an increased risk of infections because of your weak immune system. In order to prevent infections, screening for wounds, evaluation of nerve sensation, and assessment of circulation should be performed at regular intervals by your podiatrist.

The use of footwear specially designed for diabetic patients can protect your feet, and help avoid complications. You can reduce your risk of developing calluses and ulcers. These shoes provide extra depth that can accommodate custom-made special inserts.

Foot and ankle surgery is considered in the treatment of conditions that do not respond well to conservative treatment options, particularly when there is damage to the bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments. Surgery ensures relief from pain and the return to normal activities. You will be given certain postoperative instructions to be followed during the recovery. Your feet should be placed at a raised level (above heart level). There will be no pain for the first 4-24 hours following the surgical procedure. After this period, analgesics will be prescribed to keep you at ease.

Complete recovery requires at least 6 to 8 weeks during which the involved foot should not bear any weight. As with any surgery, there may be potential complications, most of which are minor. These include infection, swelling, numbness, excess scar tissue formation, and pain. If complications such as continued or worsened pain, recurring deformity, osteomyelitis, deep vein thrombosis, delayed or non-union in conditions of fracture occurs, further procedures to treat the complications will be required.