Foot and Ankle Pain Specialist in Singapore

Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, #07-40, S(329563)

Foot and ankle pain can significantly impact one’s mobility and quality of life. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, sprains, fractures, arthritis, and more can all inhibit your day-to-day activities. Whether you’re an athlete, an active individual, or simply someone who wants to move comfortably, seeking specialised care for a persistent foot injury is essential to restoring comfort and range of motion.

Centurion Orthopaedic Centre is home to experienced foot and ankle specialists in Singapore who provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and foot and ankle surgery for a wide range of conditions. We understand the complexities of foot and ankle pain and offer comprehensive care options to address your specific needs. From conservative treatments to advanced surgical procedures, our team is dedicated to helping you regain mobility, alleviate pain, and get back on your feet.

When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist

While occasional aches and pains may be normal, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a foot doctor or ankle specialist. These include:

Persistent pain or swelling in the foot or ankle
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Pain caused by a recent injury, such as a sprain or fracture
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet
Visible deformities or misalignment of the foot or ankle
Chronic conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or arthritis

Common Foot and Ankle Conditions Treated

Plantar Fasciitis

Causes/Risk Factors: Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition and is often caused by overuse, high-impact activities, improper footwear, obesity, and progressive degeneration.
Symptoms: The primary symptom is pain under the heel, particularly in the morning or when getting up after a period of immobility. The pain can worsen over time and may radiate to the arch of the foot.
Potential Complications: Chronic plantar fasciitis can lead to heel spurs, chronic pain, and difficulty walking.
Treatment Options: Treatment options include rest, icing the affected area, stretching exercises, orthotics, medications, injections, and in more severe cases, foot or ankle surgery.

Achilles Tendinitis

Causes/Risk Factors: Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation resulting from overuse of the Achilles tendon. Risk factors include sudden increases in activity (e.g. sudden exercise or increase in activity after a prolonged period of sedentary lifestyle), improper footwear, tight calf muscles, or simply degeneration of the Achilles tendon.
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel and ankle are common symptoms. The condition can progress from mild inflammation to tendon tears if left untreated.
Potential Complications: Chronic Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon rupture, chronic pain, and difficulty walking.
Treatment Options: Treatment generally focuses on reducing inflammation and pain through rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physiotherapy, injections, medications, and orthotics. Injections to stimulate tissue healing and surgeries are done for recalcitrant or severe cases .

Ankle Sprains

Causes: Ankle sprains are most often due to a twisting or rolling of the ankle, causing the ligaments on the sides of the ankle to be over-stretched or torn.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and instability are common symptoms.
Progression/Development: Ankle sprains are graded based on severity, ranging from mild stretches to complete tears.
Potential Complications: Repeated sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, and further injuries of the ankle cartilage.
Treatment Options: Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain and may include RICE, immobilisation with a brace or cast, physiotherapy, and in some cases, surgery (ankle ligament reconstruction).

Bunions and Hammertoes

Causes: Bunions are bony bumps that form at the inner side of the big toe joint, often related to genetics, improper footwear, or arthritis. This common condition typically affects people in their 20s to 60s, and tends to affect ladies much more, likely because of tight high-heeled shoes and genetic reasons. Hammertoes are deformities where the smaller toes bend abnormally at the middle joint.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes are common symptoms.
Potential Complications: Severe cases can cause painful corns and calluses, or infections, with significant pain and deformity of the toes.
Treatment Options: These include wearing wider shoes, padding, orthotics, and in severe cases, surgery (bony and soft tissue corrections to straighten out the toe and treat pain).

Flat Feet

Causes/Risk Factors: Flat feet are characterised by a collapsed arch, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground. This can be due to genetics, weak arches, or conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD).
Symptoms/Signs: Pain, easy fatigue on walking, and overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) are common symptoms. If the condition worsens over time it can cause pain in the feet, ankles, and legs as well.
Potential Complications: Flat feet can contribute to other foot and ankle problems, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendinitis.
Treatment Options: Treatment may include supportive footwear, orthotics (arch supports), physiotherapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Foot and Ankle Fractures

Causes: Bone fractures can result from trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents.
Symptoms/Signs: Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight are common symptoms.
Potential Complications: Complications can include delayed healing, malunion (improper healing), or infection.
Treatment Options: Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture and may include casting, splinting, or foot and ankle surgery (fracture fixation).

Diagnosis of Foot and Ankle Conditions

Certain injuries may be more difficult to diagnose at the beginning by non-Orthopaedic specialists. These include: Lisfranc injury, High Ankle Sprain (syndesmotic injury), OsteoChondral Lesions (cartilage damage), Stress Fracture and Tendon Dislocation. Such injuries may initially have normal X-rays, but produce persistent pain in the ankle and foot.

At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, our expertise and experience gives us a high index of suspicion for diagnosing such special injuries.

Our foot and ankle specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose your condition accurately including X-rays to visualise bones and identify fractures or alignment issues; MRI scans to evaluate soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage; CT scans for complex fractures or surgical planning; and physical examinations to assess range of motion, identify pain triggers, and evaluate muscle strength and stability.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Foot and Ankle Pain

Many foot and ankle conditions can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments such as:

Physiotherapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
Orthotics and Braces: Custom-made orthotics (shoe inserts) or braces can provide support and correct alignment issues.
Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain and swelling.
Ankle Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. The other type of injections are biological tissue-healing injections that stimulate the body to form new tissues.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management and choosing appropriate footwear can significantly reduce stress on the feet and ankles.

Surgical Solutions for Foot and Ankle Pain

In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective or the condition is severe, foot and ankle surgery may be necessary.

Common surgical procedures for foot and ankle pain

Ankle Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive technique to treat joint issues related to the ankle.
Fracture Fixation Surgery: A form of bone fracture treatment to realign and stabilise bones.
Achilles Tendon Repair: Surgery for complete tendon ruptures.
Scarf Osteotomy: A bunion removal procedure involving surgical correction of bunions.
Ankle Fusion or Replacement: Stabilisation or replacement for severe arthritis.
Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: A highly effective treatment for ankle ligament tears or laxity.

Recovery and Rehabilitation for Foot and Ankle Pain

Recovery after foot and ankle surgery or non-surgical treatment varies depending on the specific condition and treatment received. The time taken to fully recover can range from a few weeks for minor sprains to several months for major surgeries.

When in recovery for foot and ankle pain treatments, follow these tips to optimise treatment outcomes:

Follow physiotherapy recommendations to help regain strength, flexibility, and normal movement patterns.
Elevate your foot and ankle to reduce swelling.
Gradually return to weight-bearing activities as advised by your foot doctor or ankle surgeon in Singapore.

Wear proper footwear to support your feet and prevent recurrence.

Tips for Preventing Foot and Ankle Pain

Taking proactive steps can help prevent many foot and ankle problems:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints.
Wear supportive footwear that fits properly and is appropriate for your activity level.
Stretch and strengthen your foot and ankle muscles regularly.
Avoid sudden increases in exercise level or over-repetition of a certain type of exercise.
Treat minor injuries promptly to prevent them from becoming chronic problems.

Choosing the Right Foot and Ankle Specialist

When choosing a foot and ankle specialist or doctor in Singapore, consider the following factors:

Expertise in treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions
Availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies
Personalised care plans tailored to your specific needs
Attentiveness to your individual requirements for foot and ankle function

Contact Centurion Orthopaedic Centre today to book a consultation with our experienced foot and ankle specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot and Ankle Pain Treatment

What are the most common causes of foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain can be caused by various factors, including injuries (sprains, fractures), overuse (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis), structural abnormalities (flat feet, bunions), and medical conditions (arthritis, nerve damage).

How do I know if I need surgery for an ankle sprain?

Most ankle sprains heal with non-surgical treatments like RICE, immobilisation, and physiotherapy. However, ankle surgery may be necessary if the sprain is severe (involving complete ligament tears), if there is significant instability, or if conservative treatments fail to provide relief. An ankle specialist or surgeon can assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

How long is the recovery after foot or ankle surgery?

Recovery time after foot and ankle surgery varies based on the specific procedure performed. Minor surgeries, such as ankle ligament reconstruction, typically require a few weeks of recovery, while more complex procedures like ankle fusion or replacement may take several months. Adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, attending physiotherapy, and gradually increasing activity levels are essential for achieving optimal recovery outcomes.

Are foot and ankle treatments covered by insurance or Medisave?

Coverage for foot and ankle treatments in Singapore depends on your insurance plan and the type of treatment received. Various insurance plans and Medisave can be used to cover consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, physiotherapy, and surgical procedures. Our centre is experienced in helping patients do the necessary checks and Pre-Authorisations for any planned treatments.

Can custom orthotics help with flat feet or plantar fasciitis?

Yes, custom orthotics can be very helpful in managing conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Orthotics provide support for the arches, improve foot alignment, and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. They can help alleviate pain, improve balance, and enhance overall foot function. It’s essential to consult with a foot and ankle specialist or podiatrist to get properly fitted custom orthotics for optimal results.