We rely on our feet and ankles countless times every day. Whether we’re just sitting down in a chair, walking upstairs, exercising with a friend or out on the school run, our feet and ankles make each of these things possible.
The Foot and Ankle contain 28 bones and an incredible series of articulations including ligaments, tendons and joints which provide amazing mobility and function. Not surprisingly therefore, even small disruptions to this arrangement can produce a marked impact on function.
Trauma, ‘wear and tear’ degeneration and disease can all affect the foot and ankle. Sporting injuries to the ankle are common, as are foot conditions like fallen arches or ingrowing toenails. Increased fitness levels in the population are leading to an increased number of referrals for injuries related to these activities, especially in the “weekend warriors” group.
At The Harbour Hospital, our dedicated foot and ankle surgeons treat all foot and ankle conditions, helping people out of pain and back to better mobility and function once more. We’ll help get you back to doing the things you love, quicker.
Problems can occur in the toe, forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot or ankle. Some of the more common conditions people to us for help with include:
Toe & forefoot problems:
- In-growing toenails
- Toe deformities
- Big toe pain
- Forefoot pain
- Bunions – bony lumps on the side of the feet
- Bursitis
- Morton’s Neuroma – results from irritation or damage to a nerve in your foot
Midfoot & hindfoot problems:
- Midfoot pain
- Plantar fasciitis – characterized by pain in your heel
- Achilles tendonitis – overuse of the Achilles tendon causes pain along the back of the heel
- Flat feet (“fallen arches”)
- Foot drop – Secondary to nerve injury/disease
- High arch foot pain
- Tendon disorders
Ankle problems:
- Ankle sprains
- Ankle pain
- Stiffness in the ankle
- Ankle instability
- Posterior ankle impingement
A foot or ankle may also develop arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis which causes damage to the joint surfaces this creates friction in the joint as the worn surfaces move over one another, leading to pain and stiffness. With the large number of bones contained in the foot, osteoarthritis can cause significant problems with both function and mobility.
If you’re diabetic, you have an increased risk of developing a foot problem. The blood supply to your feet could be reduced, and you may experience a loss of feeling in the foot as a result, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy.
Whether you’ve suffered an injury to your ankle while playing your favourite sport or you’ve become aware of pain and stiffness in your foot that is slowly getting worse, it can be sensible to get medical assessment and advice.
Our foot and ankle surgeons are experts in managing and treating all foot and ankle disorders and would be delighted to help get you out of pain and back to better mobility once more.
When you first visit with us, your consultant will take your medical history and talk about your symptoms. They may ask you questions like:
- When did your symptoms start?
- Was there an obvious cause (for example, a hard kick when playing football, or twisting an ankle while stepping off a pavement)?
- Do you have any pain? If so, where is it, and can you describe it?
- Have you tried any treatments already? If so, did they help?
- What can you no longer do as a result of your symptoms?
They will carry out a physical examination of your foot and ankle to help them determine how much strength and movement you currently have. They may also observe you standing on both legs and on one leg at a time.
Depending on your medical history and this physical examination, additional tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or to accurately measure the spread of any disease. With comprehensive on-site imaging facilities including X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound, these can be easily arranged for you if needed.
Once the results of any tests are back and a diagnosis has been made, your consultant will discuss suitable treatment options with you.
Some foot and ankle conditions can be treated non-surgically, while others will require some form of surgery to successfully relieve symptoms and restore function.
Non-surgical treatments include:
- Resting the affected foot/ankle, weight-bearing with support and using aids such as boots and crutches
- Applying a cold compress
- Pain relief medication
- Physiotherapy
- Bracing or splinting of the foot or ankle
Surgical options range from a form of keyhole surgery known as arthroscopy through to “open” surgery for repair of a complex fracture, or even total ankle replacement. The whole spectrum of surgery from ingrowing toenails to complex hindfoot procedures and total ankle replacements are offered. Many of our Foot and Ankle Surgeons by virtue of their training and experience can also treat foot and ankle problems in children and adolescents.
The treatment you receive will be tailored to your specific requirements and what would be best for you. Your consultant will always discuss the treatment plan they recommend and answer any questions or concerns you may have. They will explain the benefits you should expect to see as a result of the recommended treatment as well as potential risks or complications.
You may have been referred to us by your GP or physiotherapist (or even a sports physiotherapist). Perhaps you’ve decided to self-refer.
Many of our patients are from Poole, but people also travel from Bournemouth, Dorset and the surrounding areas.
You will benefit from:
Fast access to an expert – Foot and ankle problems can have a significant impact on daily life, and you’ll undoubtedly want rapid access to the best treatment. With a number of leading foot and ankle surgeons on-site daily, it’s easy to book an appointment at a time that’s convenient to you.
Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, over 98% of people we’d treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend The Harbour Hospital to their friends and family. We continue to focus on providing the highest level of care and support at all times for anyone who comes to us for help with a foot or ankle condition.
Tailored treatment – Your consultant will tailor any treatment to your specific condition and needs. With our state-of-the-art facilities and highly experienced foot and ankle surgeons, you’ll be in good hands throughout your time with us.
Remote Consultation – Consultations are routinely carried out in person at The Harbour, we’re also able to offer remote consultations via telephone or online video call where required.
Multidisciplinary team: Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and radiologists. More complex cases can be discussed with other specialists within a multidisciplinary team meeting in order to formulate the best treatment plan for you.
Book an appointment online today.
There are a number of effective treatment options available for a wide range of foot and ankle injuries and conditions.
Your consultant will investigate your symptoms, diagnose the problem and talk with you about treatment options. If you require surgery, this will be arranged at the earliest opportunity.
Whether you live close by in Manchester or will be travelling from further afield, please contact us today for your foot or ankle treatment.
