FOOT & ANKLE DISORDERS
Foot & Ankle Disorders
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment at RR Hospitals
The foot and ankle are complex structures that play a vital role in supporting the body’s weight, providing balance, and enabling movement. Due to their constant use and exposure to various stresses, they are prone to a range of disorders that can affect mobility and overall quality of life. At RR Hospitals, our Foot & Ankle Care specialists are equipped with advanced knowledge and technology to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions effectively.
Common Foot and Ankle Disorders
The foot and ankle can be affected by traumatic injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, and congenital deformities. Some of the common disorders we treat include:
- Ankle Sprains and Fractures: Injuries caused by sudden twists or trauma, resulting in ligament tears or broken bones.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning.
- Achilles Tendonitis and Rupture: Overuse or injury leading to inflammation or tearing of the Achilles tendon, impacting walking and running.
- Arthritis: Degeneration of joints causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the foot and ankle.
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus) and High Arches: Structural abnormalities that can cause pain, fatigue, and increased injury risk.
- Bunions and Hammertoes: Deformities causing pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and impaired walking.
- Neuromas: Nerve thickening between toes causing sharp pain or numbness.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the tibial nerve causing burning, tingling, or numbness in the foot.
- Gout: A type of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness, commonly affecting the big toe.
- Infections and Ulcers: Particularly in diabetic patients, infections and non-healing wounds require urgent care.
Causes and Risk Factors
Foot and ankle disorders can arise from various causes including:
- Foot Ulcers: Open sores that occur mostly on pressure points like the soles or toes.
- Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can spread rapidly due to compromised immunity and poor circulation.
- Calluses and Corns: Thickened skin that can break down and lead to ulcers.
- Charcot Foot: A condition where weakened bones in the foot fracture and deform.
- Gangrene: Tissue death due to severe infection or loss of blood supply, sometimes requiring amputation.
Symptoms to Watch For
Early recognition of symptoms helps in timely treatment. Common signs include
- Persistent or severe pain in the foot or ankle.
- Swelling, redness, or bruising around the joint.
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking.
- Stiffness or limited range of motion.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.
- Visible deformities or changes in foot shape.
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers, especially in diabetic patients.
Diagnostic Approach at RR Hospitals
Our foot and ankle specialists use a combination of clinical evaluation and
advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause:
-
- Detailed medical history and physical examination.
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to visualize bones, joints, and soft tissues.
- Gait and biomechanical analysis to assess walking patterns and identify abnormalities.
- Laboratory tests if infections or systemic conditions are suspected.
Treatment Options
Our approach prioritizes conservative care and advances to surgical intervention only when necessary.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): Initial management for acute injuries.
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Orthotics and Bracing: Custom shoe inserts or braces to correct deformities and provide support.
- Activity Modification: Advising on lifestyle changes to reduce stress on the affected areas.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative measures fail or in cases of severe deformity, trauma, or chronic conditions, surgery may be required. Our skilled surgeons perform:
- Arthroscopy to repair or remove damaged joint tissue.
- Tendon repair or reconstruction surgeries.
- Corrective surgeries for bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.
- Ankle fusion or replacement for advanced arthritis.
- Fracture fixation and reconstruction surgeries.
Diagnostic Approach at RR Hospitals
Post-treatment rehabilitation is crucial for full recovery. Our multidisciplinary team provides personalized rehabilitation programs including physiotherapy, pain management, and gait training to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Prevention Tips
To maintain foot and ankle health and prevent disorders:
- Wear well-fitting, supportive footwear appropriate for your activities.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
- Warm up before physical activities and avoid overuse.
- Practice good foot hygiene and regularly inspect feet for injuries.
- Manage underlying medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis effectively.
- Seek prompt medical attention for persistent foot or ankle pain.
Why Choose RR Hospitals for Foot & Ankle Care?
- Expertise: Experienced podiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Access to latest imaging and biomechanical assessment tools.
- Comprehensive Care: From conservative treatment to advanced surgical procedures.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Tailored treatment plans focused on individual needs and lifestyle.
- Integrated Services: Collaboration with endocrinologists, physiotherapists, and pain specialists.
- Commitment to Excellence: State-of-the-art facilities and compassionate care.
Conclusion
Foot and ankle disorders can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life, but with timely and expert care, most conditions are manageable and often curable. RR Hospitals is committed to providing comprehensive foot and ankle care that combines medical expertise, advanced technology, and personalized treatment to help you regain comfort and mobility. Whether you suffer from pain, deformity, or injury, our dedicated team is here to support every step of your recovery journey.