The foot and ankle are integral to our daily movement and stability, composed of numerous bones, muscles, and ligaments that work in harmony to support the body’s weight and adapt to various surfaces. This complex joint system enables essential functions like balance, shock absorption, and propulsion, whether for simple standing or dynamic actions such as walking and running. Due to their constant use, the foot and ankle are vulnerable to injuries and strain, which can significantly impact mobility. Prompt care from an experienced orthopedic specialist like Dr. Darshan Bafna can help diagnose and treat these conditions, ensuring a swift and effective recovery.

The foot and ankle’s functional complexity extends beyond basic movement and stability. They play a central role in adapting to various terrains and managing impact forces during activities, making them essential for both athletic performance and daily mobility.

1. Shock Absorption: The foot’s arches and soft tissue structures act as natural shock absorbers, dispersing impact forces when the foot strikes the ground. This function is crucial for protecting joints up the kinetic chain, such as the knees, hips, and lower back, during activities like running or jumping.
2. Balance and Proprioception: The foot and ankle provide sensory feedback to the brain, helping the body adjust to changes in position and surface. This sense of proprioception, or body awareness, allows for quick adjustments that maintain balance, preventing falls and enhancing stability on uneven surfaces.
3. Adaptability to Different Surfaces: The flexibility of the foot’s structure allows it to conform to various surfaces, from flat pavements to uneven trails. This adaptability ensures proper weight distribution and alignment, preventing strain on other joints.
4. Push-Off Power: The powerful muscles in the lower leg and foot, including the Achilles tendon, contribute to the foot’s push-off during walking or running. This propulsion is essential for forward movement and agility, allowing for efficient strides and dynamic movements in sports.

Each of these functions relies on the health and integrity of the foot and ankle’s intricate structure. Dr. Darshan Bafna provides specialized orthopedic care to address any impairments in these functions, helping patients maintain mobility and enhance their quality of life.

3. Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes inflamed due to overuse or sudden increases in physical activity.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

Although it affects the bottom of the foot, plantar fasciitis often causes pain in the foot and ankle due to inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch of the foot.

If you experience:

• Persistent pain or swelling in the foot and ankle.
• Difficulty bearing weight on the foot and ankle.
• Bruising or deformity after an injury.
• Weakness, instability, or a popping sensation in the foot and ankle.

These symptoms may indicate a more serious issue such as a fracture or ligament tear. It’s important to consult an orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai, like Dr. Bafna, for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be ordered to get a detailed view of the bones, ligaments, and soft tissues in the foot and ankle to determine the cause of pain or dysfunction.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Rest, physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications are effective for treating many foot and ankle injuries.
• Surgical Options:
  • Foot & Ankle Ligament Repair: Surgery to repair torn ligaments in cases of severe foot and ankle sprains or instability.
  • Foot & Ankle Fracture Repair: Surgery to realign and stabilise broken bones in the foot and ankle, followed by physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

• Post-Surgery Recovery: Physical therapy is crucial after foot and ankle surgery to restore range of motion, strength, and stability to the joint.
  Recovery Timeline: Recovery can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the type and severity of the injury or surgery.
• Exercises During Recovery: Gentle exercises like foot and ankle circles, toe raises, and balance training can help regain mobility and prevent stiffness.

Innovations in Foot & Ankle Surgery and Treatment

• Minimally Invasive Foot & Ankle Surgery: Advanced techniques in foot and ankle surgery allow for smaller incisions, reducing recovery time and scarring compared to traditional surgery.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Research is being conducted on the use of stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle, offering a potential alternative to surgery.