The Right Step:
Expert tips for three of the most common foot and ankle problems.
Three common foot and ankle problems
Our feet go through a lot every day, from holding up our body weight to taking us where we need to go – and, not always in the most supportive shoe choices.
“The feet have been an often neglected part of the body, but they actually need a lot of care,” says DR DAVID SU, foot and ankle specialist at The Orthopaedic Centre. “‘Listening to them and taking care of them is vitally important to a healthy, active life.”
Plantar fasciitis
As the most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis typically stems from a tight calf muscle, according to Dr Su, who attributes tighter calves to our increasingly sedentary jobs and lifestyles. “The first step down from bed in the morning or getting up from a chair after sitting for a prolonged period can be excruciating,” he says.
Excessive weight and foot deformities can play a part in contributing to the problem, as well. Therefore, he recommends not just daily stretching of the calf muscles, but also controlling one’s weight to prevent extra pressure on the feet.
Ankle sprains
The ankle joint may be the most frequently injured joint of the body, says Dr Su, but an ankle sprain – when the ligaments around the joint are torn – shouldn’t be ignored. “Sprains are not trivial, as hidden damage to the cartilage in the joint can occur,” he says. “If the case is severe but neglected, damage to soft tissue builds up in the joint.”
So, what should you do if you sprain your ankle? “Definitely, for most ankle sprains the regime of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate) is very helpful in the initial few days,” says Dr Su. “But, persistent swelling is a cry for help and should not be ignored. Seeking medical advice for assessment, undergoing physiotherapy and the use of an ankle guard or brace can go a long way in preventing further injury.” He adds, “Even if not used in the long term, an ankle brace can be protective during the rehabilitation period, until the stabilising muscles around the ankle are able to prevent re-sprains.”
Foot and ankle deformities
Neglecting foot deformities such as flat feet and bunions, for instance, can lead to more pain and chronic damage to joints and tendons later on – which is why addressing them early can pre-empt the need for more drastic measures down the road, explains Dr Su.
“The aim is to prevent and slow progress of foot and ankle deformities in the early stages,” he says. “An empathetic specialist with experience in managing such conditions is an important first step in addressing the problem. Also, the use of orthotics and good, supportive, well-fitting footwear can go a long way in stopping the progress of disease in its early stages.”
The Orthopaedic Centre has four locations: Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre (Novena), Connexion (Farrer), Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard) and Gleneagles Medical Centre (Tanglin). For more information, visit toc.com.sg.