Foot Conditions
Committed to Restoring your Function
Painful Foot?
Did You Know 1 in 10 People Suffer From Plantar Fasciitis
Foot Pain?
Is it Acute or Chronic?
Acute means it happened Suddenly and Chronic means it Progressed over time.
Acute orthopaedic condition of the foot
Acute causes are generally a result of Physical Trauma.
Sprains. Soft tissue injury of the foot.
Fractures. A break in one or more bones in the foot.
Dislocations. A dislocation occurs when a bone moves out of its normal position in a joint.
Tendinitis. There is inflammation of a tendon, the thick Fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Plantar Fasciitis. It’s extremely common. There is inflammation of the Plantar Fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch.
Achilles Tendonitis. There is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the Calf muscle to the Heel bone.
Stress fractures. Small cracks in bones develop as a result of Repetitive stress or Overuse.
Neuromas. A growth of Nerve tissue that develops between the bones in the foot.
Peroneal tendonitis. There is inflammation of the Peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle. This Stabilizes the foot.
Bursitis. There is inflammation of a Bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between Bones, Tendons, and Muscles.
Shin splints: There is pain along the front of the lower leg, often caused by overuse or excessive stress on the muscles, tendons, and bones in the area.
Arthritis. There is wear of the joint leading to inflammation and pain.
Flatfoot. In this condition, the arch of the foot Collapses, leading to Pain, Instability, and difficulty walking.
Bunions. This is a Bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing pain and difficulty with footwear.
Hammertoes. A Deformity of the toes that causes them to bend at the middle joint, causing to pain and difficulty in walking.
Heel spurs. These are small bony growths that develop on the heel bone, resulting in pain.
Metatarsalgia. There is inflammation along the ball of the foot.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. In this condition, the nerves in the foot become Compressed, leading to Pain, Tingling, and Numbness.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Foot/ Feet Conditions
Symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition, but some common symptoms include:
Pain, with activity and/ or rest.
Swelling, Redness and Tenderness
Stiffness. There is difficulty in moving or bending the foot, especially in the morning.
Instability. There is difficulty in standing or walking.
Deformity. There are visible changes in the Shape or Alignment of the foot. These can be Congenital or Acquired.
Numbness or tingling. There is a loss of feeling or sensations in the affected area.
Weakness. There is difficulty supporting your weight on the affected foot.
Diagnosis
In order to assess Shoulder Pathology properly. A detailed History, Examination and Imaging are required. Generally an X-ray, MRI or Ultrasound are needed to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment
These symptoms can be Progressive and Worsen over time if the underlying condition is not treated. It is important to see Dr NM van der Berg, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, if you experience any of these symptoms. He will create a Customized Treatment Plan based on your Specific Needs as his patient. Treatment options vary depending on the Cause and the Severity of the condition. It can range from a Steroid Injection into the joint, Oral Medication and Physiotherapy, or Surgery for severe cases.
It is important to note that Dr NM van der Berg, Orthopaedic Surgeon, will treat with Non-Surgical Procedures and will only perform Surgery if deemed necessary.
Some of the Surgeries Dr NM van der Berg performs:
These surgeries may be performed for a variety of reasons, including pain, deformity, instability, and loss of function. The type of surgery performed will depend on the specific condition being treated and the individual needs of the patient.
There are several benefits to seeing an orthopedic surgeon early for foot and ankle conditions, including:
Early diagnosis and treatment. An early diagnose and treatment plan can help you recover more quickly and effectively.
Prevention of further damage. Early treatment can help prevent your condition from worsening and resulting in additional damage to your foot or ankle.
Reduced pain and discomfort. An effective treatment plan can relieve pain and discomfort, allowing you to return to normal activities. Thus improving the quality of your life.
Improving function. Restoring normal function is Dr van der Berg’s aim, allowing you to do your activities with less pain and discomfort.
Avoidance of more invasive procedures. Treating early can make a world of difference to you and prevent you going for more invasive procedures later on.
In Conclusion
Early evaluation and treatment by Dr NM van der Berg, an orthopaedic surgeon can help prevent the progression of your condition, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve your overall quality of life.
Address
Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctors Block A, Suite 6, Corner of Biyela & Ukula Street, Empangeni, 3880