Your feet are some of the most noteworthy parts of human anatomy. Think about it: over decades, your feet are supposed to bear your weight, carry you to places, endure unimaginable stresses, and much more. When you think about it, we don’t give them much credit unless there’s something wrong with them. That’s why elderly folk pay much more attention to their feet– because they’re much more prone to foot issues and conditions, and may require the help of a foot and ankle specialist in Singapore than, say, a healthy and active adult.
But your elderly years are not the only times that you can experience foot problems. The most crucial age when feet need to properly develop is during childhood when people learn how to properly walk and use their leg muscles and bones. Some common foot problems that you can find in children are fallen arches, flat feet, knock knees, and more.
Why focus on the foot bones?
There are many types of foot issues that you might need to have checked. For example, issues like plantar warts, ingrown nails, and athlete’s foot are very common conditions that also require treatment. But many of the more serious foot conditions that you will probably encounter have to do with muscles, bones, and joints of your foot– i.e., they’re orthopaedic issues.
Your foot is composed of many small bones and joints and important muscles that give you the wide range of flexibility and motion that you need to move around and participate in physical activities. It’s the reason why a specialised orthopaedic doctor in Singapore might be needed to address your foot problems.
Skin and nail problems are usually surface or cosmetic problems that can be solved with simple treatments, but any muscle and bone issues usually signify something more serious. If you’re experiencing muscle, joint, or bone problems, it’s recommended that you consult a doctor immediately.
Common orthopaedic problems of the feet
Even if you’re not an elderly individual or come from a family that can be prone to bone problems, it’s important to be familiar with the various orthopaedic conditions that can affect the feet. While many cannot be reversed, with early detection, careful treatment, and lifestyle changes, you can reduce the risk of needing Singapore orthopaedic surgery. Here are a few of the most common orthopaedic problems that people of all ages can encounter.
1) Flat feet. Some individuals are born with flat feet, others develop them later in life. Did you know that people’s feet are not completely flat at the sole? Humans have a natural arch at the bottom of their feet to help with balancing and walking. When you have flat feet, this can alter the alignment of your legs and cause you to bear your weight unevenly. Thus, this can lead to pains in your ankles and knees, and even alter the curve of your spine.
2) Bunions. Bunions are a term referring to the bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe. Over time, this swells, pushing the tip of your big toe closer to the rest of your toes. Bunions form so slowly that you might not notice them at first until they grow to a noticeable size. Unfortunately, bunions aren’t curable, but you can slow down the growth of bunions with nonsurgical treatment. An orthopaedist might recommend you to wear corrective footwear or pads to cushion your feet, but in extreme cases where bunions have become painful, a doctor may recommend bunion surgery in Singapore.
3) Fractures. Bone fractures in the feet are usually caused by accidents and injuries. There are many types of fractures, from stress fractures to complete bone breakage. However bad it may be, these fractures can cause a lot of pain. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may be recommended for foot surgery or need casts to help your body heal from the injury.
4) Plantar fasciitis. This condition arises when the ligament on the bottoms of your feet (called the plantar fascia) becomes red and inflamed for any reason. This can cause intense heel pains that can make it difficult for one to walk or do any similar physical activities. While there is no clear cause of it, you may be more at risk of having it under certain conditions, like when you are overweight or if you participate in activities that stress your heels.
5) Arthritis. You may already be familiar with arthritis, which is a condition that can make your joints more swollen and tender. Over time, this can reduce movement in your foot and give you foot pains. They can also give you abnormal growths in your foot. If you’re suffering from any type of arthritis, it’s best to consult an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore early on so that your doctor can recommend the best treatments for you.
6) Hammertoes. If you have a bent or curled toe that you can seem to straighten, you might have hammertoes. Hammertoes are foot deformities that happen when there is a problem in the muscles and ligaments of your toes. They normally keep your toes straight, but if there are any issues, you may find yourself unable to straighten out your toes. Normally, these toes are just minor inconveniences, but over time you may find that you’re experiencing other foot problems such as painful blisters and sores when you wear tighter shoes, and can also cause pain in the feet. Unfortunately, once hammer toes start to form, you cannot reverse them, but only slow them down.
Need to inquire about medical treatments like bunion surgery in Singapore? Reach out to Specialist Orthopaedic Centre via their website for more information about how we can help you out.
