Dr Anuj Chawla is among the top Foot and Ankle Disorders, Sports Injuries-Foot, and Trauma surgeons in Delhi NCR. He brings with him over 20+ years of experience with a rich reserve of overseas work experience. His publications have been featured in various national and international orthopedic journals. He is also one of the reviewers in Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma and a reputed faculty at various foot and ankle conferences in India. He has previously worked with Maulana Azad Medical College (Delhi), LNJP (Delhi), Safdarjung hospital (Delhi) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (Singapore).
Flat Feet Symptoms, Causes and Cure
We tend to ignore certain areas of our body’s anatomy unless they are causing us discomfort. One such area that we take for granted is the sole of our foot. However, like every other part of our body, our feet can also suffer from abnormalities or ailments such as flat feet. Flat feet symptoms are highly common in people across all age groups. More than 30% of the world’s population have a flat foot condition. Despite the commonness of this problem, few people know what is flat feet.
In this article, Dr Anuj Chawla, a leading foot & ankle specialist in Gurgaon, will discuss everything we need to know about flat feet symptoms.
Flat feet problems, however, are not easier to overlook for those suffering from it. Before we address what these problems are and how to treat them, let us understand what is flat feet.
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You must have noticed that usually, people have a gap beneath their feet. This gap helps in equal distribution of weight when a person stands up. Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, is a condition in which this gap is not present.
Having flat feet means that the arches beneath your feet are flattened. It means that people either have a very low arch or no arch at all. Flat feet symptoms are most visible when a person stands up with the entire soles of the feet touching the ground.
Flat feet is, majorly, a painless condition and so most people don’t display any symptoms. However, in some cases, people living with this condition may experience discomfort and pain.
Some common flat feet symptoms include:
There are two answers to the question – what causes flat feet? Flat feet problems can be congenital (by birth) or acquired (the result of age or injury).
Congenital flat feet: Flat feet problems are highly common in infants and toddlers. It is because foot arches do not develop completely during early childhood. Over time, these arches take shape in most people, however, when absent, they result in congenital flat feet.
Flat feet in children can occur as a result of genetics or underlying health conditions such as cerebral palsy. Most children develop flexible flatfoot (the arch is visible when the person is sitting but it disappears on standing). Some children take longer than others to outgrow flat feet while some never do.
Acquired flat feet: As the name denotes, acquired flat feet is a condition in which a person acquires this condition with age. The arch of our feet is primarily supported by the posterior tibial tendon. As we grow old, this tendon can be exposed to inflammation and tear due to excessive and prolonged use. The extended overuse can result in damage to the arch leading to flat feet in adults.
Flat feet in adults may also be caused by:
The diagnosis of pas planus deformity is rather simple. Here are the common ways to diagnose this ailment.
If your healthcare provider may also order an MRI scan if he/she suspects the need for it.
Flat feet are not always a distressing condition. Most people, especially children, do not experience any kind of pain or discomfort. However, you should seek flat feet treatment if you do experience any of the following:
There are several different flat feet treatment methods offered by healthcare providers. The answer for how to cure flat feet may depend on factors such as the cause of your condition and the extremity of your symptoms. Some treatment methods include:
There are two types of surgeries for flat feet –
Flat feet disadvantages or complications arise when you are experiencing distressing symptoms due to fallen arches but not seeking clinical intervention to correct them. Besides affecting the alignment of your body, an untreated and painful flatfoot can aggravate leg and ankle conditions for them.
Some common complications include:
As discussed above, flatfoot problems don’t always need treatment. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you can practice the following lifestyle and home remedies:
Flat feet are mostly an asymptomatic condition however, flat feet symptoms can be easily detected by qualified orthopaedic doctors.
You cannot prevent flat feet problems. However, you can alleviate the severity of symptoms by exercising the above steps and consulting a verified doctor.
Dr. Anuj Chawla is the only surgeon in Gurgaon who is accredited to perform Extra-Osseus Talo Tarsal Stabilization (EOTTS). Performed as day surgery, it can be done using a small incision and involves the insertion of a titanium stent in the sinus tarsi, the space between ankle bone (talus) and the heel bone (calcaneum).
It is a quick surgical procedure with minimal side effects and a rapid and significant recovery. It is one of the few procedures to rebuild the arch without doing any surgery for bone.
Ques: Is it bad to have flat feet?
Ans: No, flat feet is a highly common condition in, both, children and adults.
Ques: Why do people have flat feet?
Ans: There are several causes why people develop flat feet. Some common causes include genetics, injury, obesity, diabetes and more.
Ques: Can I fix my flat feet naturally?
Ans: You can reduce your symptoms by practicing home remedies and doing flat feet exercises.
Ques: Do you need surgery for flat feet?
Ans: Surgery is indicated when flat feet is caused by an associated problem such as tendon rupture, bone deformity and more.
Ques: How long does it take to fix flat feet?
Ans: Your recovery from flat feet depends upon its causes, severity of symptoms and type of treatment taken.
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All you need to know about ankle fracture
Three factors are interpreted for increased incidences of ankle injuries – slippery surfaces, sports and high heels. It is, however, possible to hurt your ankle at other places and situations. Even a casual walk around the neighbourhood can make you trip and fall, sometimes leading to an ankle fracture. According to a study by the Indian Journal of Medical Research, more than 69% of people in Delhi between the age group 35-68 suffer from a high risk of bone fractures. The incidence of ankle fracture alone is 187 fractures per 100,000 in a year.
In this article, , foot and ankle specialist at the CK Birla Hospital will explore everything you need to know about a fractured ankle and the possible causes leading to such high incidence.
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Ankle fracture happens when a bone in the ankle joint gets broken. This injury is also referred to as a broken ankle. A fractured ankle can range from a tiny crack in the bone to a complete dissociation where your bone peaks out of the skin.
An ankle joint is structured with three bones – tibia which forms the medial and posterior malleolus; fibula which forms the lateral malleolus and talus. A fracture is characterised based on the bone that has been affected.
There are various types of ankle fractures. The fractures which involve only one bone can be medial or lateral malleolus fractures. The fractures that involve two or three malleoli are called bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures respectively. Apart from the broken bones, the ankle fractures may be associated with injury to a ligament called syndesmosis which binds the lower end of tibia and fibula together.
Ankle fractures are caused by abnormal twisting, rolling, tripping or trauma of the ankle. Some of the common causes for a fractured ankle include:
While everyone can suffer from a fractured ankle, some people are more likely to experience this injury. If you play high-impact sports such as basketball, gymnastics, football and more, your chances of having a broken ankle increase. Walking on uneven surfaces can result in more trips and falls. Decreased bone density or conditions such as osteoporosis can also raise your possibility of ankle fractures.
Your pain-bearing capacity can sometimes misinterpret a fracture. You should look out for the following fractured ankle symptoms:
The location and extent of swelling in a broken ankle will depend on the type and location of the fracture.
As mentioned above, the pain management capacity of individuals can, sometimes, cause misunderstanding about an injury. So how do I know if I have broken my ankle?
An ankle sprain is an injury of tendons and ligaments. When the ankle ligaments tear or stretch, they can cause pain and swelling. Pain and swelling are also fractured ankle symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose your injury properly. You should note that the severity of symptoms is immense when an ankle is broken while an ankle sprain can be easily managed.
Also, watch the video as Dr Anuj Chawla – Foot & Ankle Specialist at the CK Birla Hospital, sheds some light on ankle fractures and the steps you can take to minimise its impact.
Your healthcare provider will first assess your injury before providing ankle fracture treatment. He/she will physically evaluate the mobility of your foot by moving it in different positions. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms.
Your doctor will order a few imaging tests to precisely diagnose the condition. The following tests are indicated in case of a fractured ankle:
Ankle fracture treatment depends upon the location of the fracture and severity of symptoms. Conservative treatment is offered in mild cases. If your ankle is stable, your hairline ankle fracture can recover by non-surgical means. While treating the ankle fracture non-operatively, immobilisation in a rigid cast or boot for 6-8 weeks is undertaken.
Most of the times, ankle fracture surgery is performed to treat the joint. Surgery is performed to reduce the displaced fragments to their original place and then fixing it with plates and screws. This method is also called as Open Reduction and Internal Fixation.
Physical therapy is important for recovery from a fractured ankle. You should consult a verified physical therapist for your treatment. Physical therapy is critical for restoring and improving the strength of your bones.
Fractured ankle recovery time depends upon the severity of your condition. If you have had a procedure to correct a broken ankle, you can expect recovery within 8-12 weeks. You are expected to follow your doctor’s guidelines and provide complete rest to experience a quick recovery.
Based on your injury, your doctor will offer you relevant broken ankle recovery tips. Practice the following tips during recovery:
Since the ankle fracture affects your joint, it is not advisable to put weight on your broken ankle for the first few weeks. Your ability to walk depends upon the type and seriousness of the fracture you have encountered. If your fracture is mild and hairline, your doctor may allow you early weight bearing and walking on your ankle.
However, a serious broken ankle will take time in recovery and delay walking. Walking on a broken ankle too soon may result in unbearable pain or discomfort from the slightest of movement.
Your doctor will assess and supervise your recovery. He/she will suggest when you can walk after a broken ankle.
Your physiotherapist will provide support in this process. He will help improve your movement of ankle and bone strength. You can also choose to start walking with the help of walker, cane or crutches.
Ankle fracture is not an uncommon condition, but it requires urgent medical intervention. An untreated fractured ankle can cause several health complications such as arthritis, persistent pain, ligament injury, nerve damage and more.
To learn more about musculoskeletal health, consult Dr Anuj Chawla at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: Can you walk on an ankle fracture?
Ans: The ability to walk after an ankle fracture depends upon the severity of fracture. If the fracture is minor, you may be able to walk soon. If it is serious, you will be advised to rest until the injury is healed.
Ques: How long does it take to heal a fractured ankle?
Ans: On average, it takes nearly 8-12 weeks for ankle fractures to heal completely. The recovery period may vary based on your overall health and age.
Ques: Do you need a cast for a fractured ankle?
Ans: Yes, your ankle will be placed in a cast for nearly 4-8 weeks to promote healing.
Ques: What happens if a fracture is left untreated?
Ans: An untreated fracture can lead to bone deformity, muscle and ligament damage, arthritis and persistent pain.
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Tips for faster recovery from sprained ankle
Picture this: Your school football team has made it to the finales. You have to play in the big game tomorrow but you accidentally fall and sprain your ankle. Now before you stress out in such a situation, let us tell you some expert-approved ways on how to heal a sprained ankle as soon as possible.
A sprained ankle is a common occurrence among athletes and people who routinely exercise. It is also considerably easy to prevent common foot and ankle injuries.
In this article, Dr Anuj Chawla, best foot and ankle specialist in Gurgaon discusses some top tips for the prevention of ankle injuries and how to manage them.
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A sprained ankle happens when you hurt the ligaments in your ankles. Ligaments are flexible tissues that hold two adjacent bones together. You can sprain your ankle when you are rolling or twist it by mistake.
Common symptoms of a sprained ankle include:
Athletes would understand how recurring sprained ankles are. However, this injury can also be healed comfortably. The following remedies can be applied at home if a person suffers from an ankle sprain.
Tips on how to heal a sprained ankle-
The R.I.C.E approach is very popular and beneficial for a swift recovery. It is a traditional tried and tested healing method. The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, respectively.
Rest: If you suffer from any injury at any body part, the primary step is to give proper rest to the affected area. You should not engage in any activity that could worsen the swelling or pain.
Ice: Applying ice to the sprain has also been proved favourable in most cases. You should place an ice pack to the ankle to reduce swelling and pain. If an ice pack is not available, you can simply wrap some ice cubes around in a towel and use it.
Compression: Doctors recommend compressing the sprained ankle by using an elastic or crepe bandage. This helps in reducing the swelling and alleviates pain. It is also helpful in maintaining joint stability. While the bandage should be wrapped around firmly, you should not bind it too tight. If the bandage is excessively tight, it can obstruct blood circulation and cause numbness.
Elevation: The last step of the R.I.C.E. is to elevate the sprained ankle. Elevating the ankle helps to avoid the buildup of fluid in the joints. It is suggested that you should support the ankle by placing a pillow under it while sleeping. You should keep the ankle at an elevated level from the heart to help reduce swelling.
In severe ankle sprains which limit the ability of the person to walk, some form of protection is helpful to prevent worsening of the injury. Protection and immobilization can be in the form of a cast, pneumatic walker boots or ankle brace. In fact, the acronym for healing acute ankle sprain has been changed by many from RICE to PRICE so as to include protection.
Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and Voveran (diclofenac) have been proven to be of significant benefit in early healing These medicines work by reducing the pain and swelling and hence hastening the recovery.
Exercises and rehabilitation play a paramount role in preventing stiffness, early recovery and prevention of recurrence in future. Physical therapy after an ankle sprain should be started after a brief period of rest of 5-7 days or after the plaster is removed. The rehabilitation for acute ankle sprain can be divided into 3 phases:
You can also go to a verified healthcare provider and choose for lightweight massage. You may also do a gentle massage at home yourself.
Besides effective management, ankle sprains can also be prevented. Since such injuries are frequent events in sports. Athletes need to learn about the prevention of ankle injuries.
Here are some useful tips to prevent foot and ankle injuries:
If your pain does not alleviate after implementing these tips, you should instantly seek medical support. You should consult your healthcare provider if:
A sprained ankle usually heals on its own without clinical intervention. The above-given tips can help you to encourage the healing process for a quicker recovery.
To learn more about muscle and joint injuries, consult Dr Anuj Chawla, best foot and ankle specialist at the CK Birla Hospital.
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