We try to get to the root cause of your foot and ankle problem.
What can you Expect?
At Sportsmed, our specialists are uniquely trained to diagnose and treat all acute injuries and chronic conditions of the foot and ankle, in young children and teens, as well as in active adults and seniors. We first delve in to the onset, progression, extent of disability before recommending suitable treatment. our specialist team is equipped to treat any condition from the toes to the knee, including complex foot and ankle deformities, sports injuries, arthritis, cartilage injuries, bunions and hammertoes. Our investigations begin with a basic X-ray (unlike many places where an expensive MRI scan is recommended). In most cases, investigation does not have to go beyond an X-ray; an MRI is definitely not our first option. A common misconception is that when you see an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon you will be discussing surgery. This is not true! In most cases, surgery is a last resort. In fact, fewer than 10 percent of Sportsmed patients who see an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist go onto surgery. We also do not believe in prescribing medicines & drugging patients; we prefer to recommend life style changes & exercise therapy for recovery.
There are several basic to complex foot and ankle conditions; however, we are listing few common problems that patients face. For accurate diagnosis and to receive extensive care for complex foot and ankle deformities, sports injuries, arthritis, cartilage injuries, bunions and hammertoes, Sportsmed is one of the best centers in India.
Achilles Tendonitis
Pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon is commonly referred to as Achilles tendonitis. There are four common causes for pain in region near the back part of the heel - Paratenonitis, Non insertional Achilles tendonitis, Insertional Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture. Achilles tendonitis is often caused due to an increase in activity level and it tends to occur in patients who are in their 30s and 40s. Treatment is usually non-operative and includes an initial period where the symptoms are allowed to settle, followed by a gradual return to activity. Treatment includes: avoiding aggravating activities; use of a slight heel lift inside the shoe; wearing a shoe with a heel to off-load the tendon; anti-inflammatory medications (if tolerated); and exercises designed to both stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon.
Bunion
A bunion is a problem that can develop due to hallux valgus, a deformity of the foot. It is a common condition associated with a prominent bump on the inside of the forefoot. Hallux valgus may develop from muscle imbalance as in cerebral palsy or polio. It may develop from joint destruction as in arthritis. The most common problem is an imbalance of the forces of the toe, present from birth, which causes the hallux valgus to develop progressively with time. It is common for bunions to run in a family and gradually worsen over time. Bunions can lead to discomfort over the prominence, especially if patients wear tight fitting shoes. The vast majority of bunions can be managed successfully with basic non-operative treatment. Surgery is reserved for patients who have persistent symptoms in spite of appropriate non-operative treatment.
Claw Toes
Claw toes can develop in people as they age, and can make fitting into restrictive shoes uncomfortable. This condition is common and can create symptoms in one or all of three places - On the top of the toes, on the tips of the toes, and at the base of the toes. Additionally, claw toes are often associated with forefoot pain (metatarsalgia), as the MTP joints commonly become displaced in patients with pronounced claw toes. Subluxation is the upward displacement of the toe relative to the metatarsal head or “ball of the foot.” This leaves the metatarsal heads prominent and subject to excessive overload. Patients with this problem often describe "walking on marbles." Claw toes can be treated with both - operative and non-operative treatments.
Flatfeet
Some children will develop a pronounced flatfoot deformity. Having flat feet is common, representing 20-30 percent of the population. Flatfoot deformities often run in families. Usually this deformity does not create symptoms, although some children may complain of an ache in their arch or their calf muscles with increased activity. In most instances, the flatfoot deformity is flexible and is due to a tight outer calf muscle. Treatment of flexible feet is almost always non-surgical and includes calf stretching, activity modification, and comfortable shoes often consisting of a slight heel. In rare cases, flexible flatfeet require surgical intervention. When non-surgical treatment fails and the patients report pain.
Morton’s Neuroma
Patients with Morton's neuroma present with pain in the forefoot, particularly in the “ball” of the foot. However, not all pain in the forefoot is a Morton's neuroma. In fact, most chronic pain in the forefoot is NOT the result of a Morton's neuroma, but rather is from inflammation (synovitis) of the "toe/foot" joints. The symptoms of Morton's neuroma are pain, numbness (usually between the toes) and sometimes a burning sensation. In many cases, a neuroma may develop as a result of excessive loading on the front of the foot (wearing heels with a narrow toe box); sometimes a patient’s anatomic alignment in the forefoot contributes to the overload. Once the nerve is irritated, pressure from walking may contribute to persistent pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Pain from plantar fasciitis is often most noticeable during the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue in the sole of the foot. Microtearing at the origin of the plantar fascia on the heel bone (calcaneus) can occur with repetitive loading. This microtearing leads to an inflammatory response that produces pain. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: excessive standing, increased body weight, increasing age, a change in activity level, and a stiff calf muscle. Plantar fasciitis can be managed non-operatively in the vast majority of patients. We recommend: calf stretching with the knee straight, plantar fascia stretching and activity modification.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints and causes swelling of the joint lining (synovium). Though this condition can involve any joint, it most commonly affects the small joints of the hands and feet. For example, RA can occur in the hindfoot or forefoot. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition that often requires the specialized care of a rheumatologist. It is unknown how one develops this condition, but research is currently being done on the subject. Family history often plays a role and it has been suggested that climate may also be a factor. Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common in women in their thirties and forties, and symptoms tend to increase with age. Some patients are referred for surgery in addition to other treatments.
Sesamoiditis
Pain on the bottom of the foot at the base of the great toe is characteristic of sesamoiditis. Symptoms usually originate from excessive, repetitive loading to this area of the foot. Often patients will have a higher arched foot. Treatment involves avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms; inserts that offload the involved area, comfort shoes, anti-inflammatory medications if tolerated, and possibly corticosteroid injections. Patience is required as it often takes time to successfully manage the symptoms of sesamoiditis. While sesamoiditis can be a chronic, aggravating condition that is recalcitrant to treatment, fortunately most cases can be effectively treated with various forms of offloading and inflammation control.