Foot Specialist in Singapore:
Comprehensive Care for Your Foot and Ankle Health

Plantar fasciitis is a common reason patients seek care from a foot specialist in Singapore. This condition involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, often causing stabbing heel pain that is usually worst with the first steps in the morning.

Other conditions include:

• Heel spurs: Bony growths on the underside of the heel bone
• Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting your calf muscle to your heel
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: Damage to the tendon that supports your foot’s arch

These conditions often develop gradually and may affect daily activities if not assessed or managed appropriately.

Foot specialists also manage structural deformities such as bunions, or hallux valgus, which are bony bumps at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle inward. Flat feet (pes planus) and high arches (pes cavus) represent opposite ends of the foot arch spectrum and may cause pain, instability, or other secondary problems.

Hammertoes, where toes bend downward at the middle joint, and claw toes, where the toes curl under, are other common deformities that may require specialist assessment.

Active individuals in Singapore often experience foot and ankle injuries related to sports or exercise. Common conditions include ankle sprains, stress fractures (small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force), and Achilles tendon injuries.

Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, can also occur, particularly among runners or individuals who frequently wear tight or high-heeled shoes.

Foot specialists play an important role in managing diabetic foot complications. Diabetes can cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), which reduces sensation in the feet, which increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and, in severe cases, amputation.

Regular screening and preventive care by a foot specialist can help identify potential problems early and guide appropriate management.

Many foot conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatment approaches. Rest, activity modification, and ice application are commonly recommended during the initial phase of management for acute injuries and inflammatory conditions.

Physiotherapy plays an important role in rehabilitation, including targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct movement patterns. Modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation may also be incorporated, depending on the individual’s condition.

Custom orthotics are individually designed shoe inserts intended to address specific foot mechanics. These devices can:

• Redistribute pressure
• Provide arch support
• Address alignment concerns
• Accommodate structural deformities

Over-the-counter arch supports and heel cups are sometimes used for mild conditions. More complex issues may require custom-fabricated orthotics prescribed following a biomechanical assessment.

Footwear modification is often considered part of overall management. Your foot specialist may provide guidance on appropriate shoe types based on your condition and activity level.

Oral anti-inflammatory medications help reduce pain and swelling in acute conditions. Topical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory gels and creams, are applied directly to the affected area and may be considered as part of the management plan.

For selectedconditions, corticosteroid injections may be administered to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area. These injections are used selectively, and the frequency of administration is carefully considered due to potential side effects associated with repeated use.

Certain in-clinic procedures may be performed to manage specific foot conditions. These include:

• Ingrown toenail removal
• Trimming away thickened skin, such as corns and calluses
• Treating warts using freezing (cryotherapy) or other methods

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic waves applied to the affected area. It may be considered as part of the management approach for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. This is a non-surgical procedure and is typically considered based on the individual’s condition and clinical assessment.

Surgical intervention may be considered when non-surgical management does not adequately address the condition or when structural abnormalities require correction. Foot and ankle surgery includes a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to complex reconstructive procedures.

Common surgical procedures include:

• Bunion correction (bunionectomy)
• Hammertoe correction
• Ankle ligament reconstruction
• Achilles tendon repair
• Joint fusion or replacement for severe arthritis

The choice of surgical procedure depends on the specific diagnosis, severity of the condition, activity level, and overall health. Your orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon will explain the available options, including the potential risks and considerations, before proceeding.