Foot and ankle
Ankle sprains and fractures are among the commonest reasons for attending the emergency department. Forefoot deformities and tendon problems are also assessed here.
Common conditions
Ankle sprain
A strain or tear of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Most sprains heal with brief support, early movement and balance exercises; ligament repair is considered for recurrent sprains.
Ankle fracture
A cast or surgery is chosen according to whether the fracture is stable; the state of the ligaments is assessed along with the bone.
Detailed article: Ankle fracture: cast or surgery, and when can you put weight on it?
Hallux valgus (bunion)
The big toe drifts outwards and a bump forms on the inner side. Wide-fitting shoes ease the symptoms; if pain persists, the bone is realigned surgically.
Detailed article: Bunion (hallux valgus): when is surgery needed?
Achilles tendon problems
Pain behind the heel with morning stiffness suggests tendon disease; sudden severe pain with inability to rise on tiptoe suggests a rupture.
Detailed article: Achilles tendon rupture: surgery or a boot?
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis develops when the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes (the plantar fascia) is strained, and it causes pain under the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning.
Detailed article: Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis: what causes heel pain and how does it settle?
Flat feet
Flat feet (pes planus) means that no arch can be seen on the inner side of the foot when standing; it is common and usually causes no problems.
Detailed article: Flat feet: do children outgrow them, and when are insoles or surgery needed?
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the skin beside it; it usually affects the big toe, and its commonest causes are poorly fitting shoes and toenails that are not trimmed properly.
Detailed article: Ingrown toenail: what causes it, how does it heal, and when is a procedure needed?
Broken foot and broken toe
Foot fractures most often involve the metatarsals (the long bones of the forefoot) and the toes; they cause pain, swelling and bruising, and the diagnosis is confirmed with an X-ray.
Detailed article: Broken foot and broken toe: symptoms and how long healing takes
When to be seen without waiting
- Being unable to take four steps after a sprain, or marked tenderness over the bone
- Sudden pain behind the heel and inability to rise on tiptoe
- An injury with deformity of the foot or an open wound
In these situations do not wait for an appointment; go to the nearest emergency department.
Our doctors
Our team of three orthopaedic surgeons works in close collaboration at every stage, from assessment and diagnosis to surgical and non-surgical treatment. Drawing on our shared knowledge and experience, we aim to find the most suitable treatment for each patient and to achieve the greatest benefit.
Patient guide
Other areas
This page is general information; diagnosis and treatment are decided at examination. Last updated: .