Feet

Bunions or hallux abductovalgus, are a joint deformity where the big toe curve towards the lesser toes. People with bunions often complain of difficulty fitting into shoes due to the wide forefoot caused by bunions. Bunions are a progressive condition and cause overlapping toes to develop at their severe stages. It can affect adults and children, with the latter known as juvenile bunions.

Bunions affect the function of our big toe joint in walking, causing stress to other foot or toe joints and disrupting the pressure distribution under the foot. Commonly associated conditions caused by bunions include corns or calluses, plantar plate injury or hallux rigidus.

A neuroma is a ball of thickened nerve tissue that occurs in the digital nerves of the foot, often referred to as a benign nerve tumour. The most common neuroma occurs between the third and fourth toe and is known as Morton’s Neuroma. A neuroma is a painful condition and patients often experience shooting pain or numbness down to the affected toes.

Flat feet or pes planus is a condition whereby the arch along the inside of the foot is lowered or lost, causing the feet and ankle to roll inwards. It is commonly described as “pronated feet” or “excessive pronation”. Most individuals with flat feet would have gotten the condition at a young age, known as paediatric flat feet. However, an adult can also develop flat feet due to a condition called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD).

Achilles tendonitis, a common foot condition that causes heel pain in Singapore, can affect individuals of all ages. Particularly, those engaged in physical activities or with a history of overuse injuries are at higher risk. This condition not only causes discomfort and pain but can also cause mobility to be limited if left untreated. This article will provide you with comprehensive information about Achilles tendonitis and its treatment options in Singapore.

The Achilles tendon, the body’s largest tendon, connects calf muscles to the heel bone. This critical structure plays a pivotal role in activities involving leg movement, including walking and running. Achilles tendonitis, also known as Achilles tendinitis, is characterized by the inflammation of this tendon.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that connects our heel bone to the ball of our foot (forefoot). Plantar fasciitis typically causes sharp stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning. It can occur from a sudden high-impact activity or long-term overuse. It is common for individuals to ignore the heel pain at its initial stages and only seek help months later.

Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed based on the presenting symptoms and also through diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Imaging is essential to rule out any plantar fascia tears, which many are undetected.