Common Conditions
Ankle Sprains and Persistent Instability
An ankle sprain stretches or tears supporting ligaments. Many improve with appropriate protection, progressive exercise and balance training.
Persistent giving-way, swelling or pain after rehabilitation needs reassessment. The cause may include ligament instability or an associated cartilage or tendon injury.
Bunions and Big-Toe Alignment
A bunion, also called hallux valgus, involves altered alignment at the base of the big toe. The visible bump may rub against shoes and make walking uncomfortable.
Roomier footwear and suitable padding can reduce pressure. Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist and restrict daily life despite appropriate measures.
A painless bunion does not require surgery solely because of its appearance.
Flat Feet and Arch Problems
A low arch can be a longstanding, painless variation. By contrast, an arch that becomes painful or progressively collapses in adulthood may reflect changes in supporting tendons and ligaments.
The examination considers whether the foot remains flexible and which structures are affected. Insoles, bracing and exercises may help; a rigid or severe deformity requires different planning.
Adult-onset collapse should not be managed as though it were automatically the same as painless flexible flatfoot in a child.
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia supports the arch along the underside of the foot. Irritation can cause pain beneath the heel, particularly during the first steps after resting.
Treatment often includes changes to activity, appropriate footwear and a stretching programme. An X-ray heel spur is not proof that the spur itself is causing the pain or needs removal.
Achilles Tendon Problems
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. Tendinopathy can cause activity-related pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle.
A sudden snap with loss of push-off strength is different from gradual tendon pain and needs prompt assessment for a possible rupture. The rehabilitation plan must match the diagnosis.
When to Seek Urgent Assessment
A visibly deformed foot or ankle, an open injury, or a foot that becomes cold, pale or numb requires urgent local care. Inability to bear weight after an injury also warrants prompt assessment.
People with diabetes should seek urgent advice for a new wound or a hot, swollen foot, even when pain is mild. Reduced sensation can make a significant problem less noticeable.
Do not postpone emergency care while arranging an overseas consultation.
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
The assessment reviews injury history, pain location, footwear and the activities affected. Examination checks walking, alignment, movement, strength and stability, together with circulation and sensation where relevant.
Weight-bearing X-rays can show how bones line up under load. Ultrasound or MRI may clarify tendon, ligament or cartilage problems, while CT provides additional bone detail in selected cases.
When Might Surgery Be Considered?
The proposed operation should address a defined problem: for example, symptomatic bone malalignment, persistent ligament instability or selected damage within the ankle joint.
An osteotomy changes bone position, a tendon procedure addresses damaged soft tissue, and arthroscopy treats suitable problems through small openings. These have different purposes and recovery requirements.
Recovery and Walking Restrictions
Recovery varies widely between procedures. A boot or postoperative shoe may protect some corrections, while other operations require a period without weight-bearing.
Follow the prescribed restrictions even when discomfort improves. Swelling can continue after the wound has healed, particularly after prolonged standing.
Rehabilitation gradually restores movement, strength and balance. Work, driving and sport require separate decisions based on safe function.
Possible surgical complications include infection, nerve injury, stiffness, delayed bone healing, recurrent deformity and persistent pain. Immobilisation and reduced mobility also require assessment of blood clot risk.
This content does not replace medical assessment. Acute injuries, circulation concerns and diabetic foot changes require prompt local care.
