PROCEDURES

 
FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY

The foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints and hundreds of muscles, ligaments and tendons while the ankle has 3 bones and tendons to connect it to the tibia and fibula. There are a variety of conditions that can affect the foot and ankle causing instability, pain and loss of motion. As the feet and ankle carry the entire weight of the body, conditions and injuries in the feet and ankles can affect the quality of life. Dr Nhlapo may help find a non-surgical treatment for a range of issues, and if necessary advise surgery to enhance mobility and relieve pain.

What conditions may affect the foot or ankle?

While trauma injuries can cause fractures, ligament and tendon tears in the foot and ankle there are also many conditions that can affect the foot and ankle. The most common include:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Flat foot
  • Club foot
  • Cavus foot
  • Diabetic foot
  • Foot arthritis
  • Lis Frank Injuries
  • Calcaneus fracture
Hip Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgical Implements
 
  • Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
  • Ankle arthritis
  • Severe ankle sprains causing instability and weakness
  • Peroneal tendon tears in the ankle
  • Achilles tendonitis

These issues may cause pain, swelling and stiffness when standing or walking and can cause secondary complications when walking is altered to accommodate for the pain in an area of the foot or ankle.

What surgeries may be done for the feet and ankles?

Dr Nhlapo may help find a suitable treatment for your condition. In cases of trauma injuries to the foot and ankle, surgery and bracing may be needed to ensure that the fractures heal properly and prevent malunion or non-union. For conditions where non-surgical means fail, he may also be able to assist with surgeries including reconstruction for foot deformities like flat foot and cavus foot, debridement surgery for foot arthritis, joint fusion, bunion correction and surgery for toe deformities such as claw toes, hammer toes and other foot and toe deformities. He may also suggest an ankle fusion or ligament repair and reconstruction in the ankle if deemed necessary.