Traumatologue - Orthopédiste
Foot and Ankle
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Foot and Ankle Pain
Ankle and foot pain is a common orthopedic ailment due to the stresses and demands we put daily on our ankles and feet. Most foot and ankle pain is caused by overuse and micro-traumas occurring overtime.
The ankle joint balances the entire weight of the body on a structure of small bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles, with the feet being complex structures containing 33 joints. A sudden twist or turn in the wrong direction can be debilitating to the ankle, affecting its function and mobility.
If you are struggling with any of the following symptoms, you may have an ankle/foot condition or injury:
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Ankle or foot pain that persists even when not bearing weight
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Limited range of motion in the ankle
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Stiffness or weakness in the ankle
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Sudden, intense pain in the foot or ankle area
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Swelling in the ankle
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
Foot and ankle pain can arise from various factors, they include:
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Hallux Valgus (Bunions): a deformity of the big toe with a side bump.
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Hallux Rigidus: a type of arthritis that affects the big toe joint.
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Hammertoes: a toe deformity where the middle joint curls, causing the toe to bend downward.
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Claw Toes: a condition where toes bend into a claw-like position, with the last two joints bent downward.
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Plantar fasciitis: heel pain from an inflamed foot ligament.
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Ankle sprains
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Achilles tendon ruptures
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Heel pain
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Ankle and foot arthritis
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Ankle trauma and fractures
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Ankle instability
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Flat foot deformities
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose and treat your ankle or feet injury or condition, your doctor will ask you a series of questions relating to your symptoms. Following that, a physical examination of the ankle and foot will be conducted to assess the pain and swelling and make a proper diagnosis. Quite often, X-ray imaging tests will be ordered to look for any fractures in the ankle or foot.
These evaluations will aid your orthopedic doctor to assess whether surgical intervention is needed or not, and create a personalised treatment plan for you.
Ankle and foot pain is often treated with conservative treatments alone, these include:
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Pain medication
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Orthotic devices like custom-made shoe inserts to support the arch
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Immobilization with casts
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Physical therapy
Surgical approaches
Should conservative treatments not provide the alleviation needed from the pain and the symptoms, then a surgical intervention may be necessary.
Common surgical procedures of the feet and ankle include:
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Ankle Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat different ankle issues.
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Ankle Ligament Repair
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Ankle and Foot Fracture Surgery
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Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery
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Ankle, Foot, and Tendon Repairs and Reconstruction
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Achilles Tendinosis Surgery
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Foot or Ankle Cheilectomy : Involves the removal of bone spurs and excess bone from the joint to alleviate pain and increase flexibility and range of motion.
For the most severe cases, particularly those involving severe arthritis and significant damage to the ankle joint, ankle or foot arthrodesis may be the best course of action. This procedure involves fusing the bones of the joint together to provide long-term relief from pain and discomfort. Even more rarely, when the situation calls for it, ankle arthroplasty —also known as ankle joint replacement— may be required. This advanced procedure involves replacing the damaged ankle joint with a prosthetic component.
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No matter the cause of your foot or ankle pain, Dr. Errachid has you covered, and will provide you with the highest quality care to manage and treat your pain.
A: If your foot or ankle pain is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by significant swelling, redness, or bruising, it's important to consult with your orthopedic doctor. If your pain worsens with weight-bearing, you notice a visible deformity, or you are unable to walk, it may indicate a fracture, sprain, or tendon injury. If you experience sudden pain after a fall or injury or have numbness in your foot, seek medical attention from your traumatologist immediately.
A: Yes, wearing high heels can put extra stress on your feet and ankles, leading to pain and discomfort. High heels can cause the shortening of calf muscles, increase pressure on the forefoot, and contribute to conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
A: Gentle exercises, such as ankle circles, toe points and flexes, and calf stretches, can help improve flexibility and reduce pain. Strengthening exercises like towel curls can also be beneficial. However, if your pain is severe or caused by an underlying condition, consult with your orthopedic doctor before starting any exercise program.
A: Wearing custom orthotics or inserts can help provide support, redistribute pressure, and alleviate pain, especially for conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high arches. However, it's important to consult with your orthopedic doctor to determine if orthotics are suitable for your specific condition.
A: Recovery can take 6 to 12 weeks. Patients are usually advised to rest and may need to avoid weight-bearing activities for the first few weeks.
A: Recovery generally involves being in a cast for 4-6 weeks, with a gradual return to weight-bearing and normal activities.
A: Patients can generally start to return to normal activities and regain the use of their ankle around 6-8 weeks post-surgery. Crutches are typically needed for the first few weeks. Full recovery, where one regains complete stability, strength, and range of motion, is usually achieved by approximately 12 weeks.
A: The healing time for foot and ankle pain varies depending on the underlying cause and severity. Minor sprains or strains may improve within a few days to a couple of weeks with conservative treatments, while more severe injuries or chronic conditions may take several weeks or months to heal. Dr. Errachid will provide you with a personalized treatment plan to manage your foot pain and any underlying conditions.
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