PATIENT CARE
Foot & Ankle
Care & Treatment
Specialist care for foot and ankle conditions.
Relieving pain, restoring movement and helping you return to everyday life with confidence.
Common Foot & Ankle Conditions
The foot and ankle are made up of a complex network of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to provide stability and movement. Whether your symptoms are caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, or deformity, we offer specialist assessment and personalised treatment to help relieve pain, restore function, and get you back to doing what you enjoy.
Sport injuries
Sports injuries can affect the bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints of the foot and ankle, causing pain, swelling, and instability. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help restore function and support a safe return to activity.
Sport injuries may include:
• Ankle Instability
• Sprain and Ligament Injuries
Lisfranc, Midfoot and Metatarsal Injuries
Injuries affecting the joints, ligaments, and bones of the middle part of the foot. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking and may require specialist treatment to restore stability and function.
Acute & Chronic Tendon Injuries
Injuries to the tendons of the foot and ankle can occur suddenly through trauma or develop gradually from overuse. These conditions may cause pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty walking or participating in everyday activities.
This may include:
• Achilles Tendon Ruptures
• Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction
• Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Tendonitis & Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation and irritation of the tendons or the thick band of tissue beneath the foot can cause heel, arch, or ankle pain. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring comfortable movement.
Hallux Valgus (Bunion)
A bunion is a bony prominence that develops at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle towards the others. It may lead to pain, swelling, difficulty wearing shoes, and changes in the way you walk.
Lesser Toe Deformities
Deformities affecting the smaller toes can cause pain, stiffness, pressure, and difficulty wearing shoes. Treatment aims to improve comfort, alignment, and foot function.
Some of these conditions may include:
- Hammer toes
- Claw toes
- Mallet toes
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)
Minimally invasive surgery uses specialised techniques and smaller incisions to treat selected foot and ankle conditions. This approach may reduce tissue damage, minimise scarring, and support a faster recovery when appropriate.
Hip pain when walking or climbing stairs
Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Stiffness
Pain after sport or exercise
Clicking or locking of the hip
Hip pain when walking or climbing stairs
Groin pain
Stiffness
Hip pain when walking or climbing stairs
Pain after sport or exercise
Groin pain
Groin pain
Pain when getting out of a chair
Pain at night
Pain at night
Hip pain when walking or climbing stairs
Stiffness
Pain after sport or exercise
Stiffness
Clicking or locking of the hip
Reduced range of movement
Groin pain
Hip pain when walking or climbing stairs
Limping
Pain after sport or exercise
Stiffness
Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Foot or ankle pain when walking or standing
Ankle pain
or instability
Ankle or foot swelling
Clicking or locking of the ankle or foot
Pain after sport or exercise
Pain when getting out of bed or first steps in the morning
Pain in the arch, heel or forefoot
Stiffness or reduced range of movement
Pain at night
Your Patient Journey
We guide you every step of the way.
- Initial Consultation
A thorough consultation allows us to understand your condition, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to you.
2. Assessment & Imaging
Every assessment is tailored to your individual needs, combining clinical expertise with appropriate imaging to provide an accurate diagnosis..
3. Diagnosis
Understanding your diagnosis is an important part of your care. We ensure you have a clear picture of your condition and the next steps.
4. Treatment Plan
A personalised treatment plan is developed around your diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring the most appropriate approach to your care.
5. Recovery & Rehabilitation
Your recovery continues beyond treatment, with personalised rehabilitation and ongoing guidance to help you return to the activities that matter most.
Your First Consultation
During your consultation you can expect:
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Review of symptoms
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Examination
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Review of scans
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Discussion of treatment options
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Opportunity to ask questions
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Personalised treatment plan
Do all foot and ankle conditions require surgery?
No. Foot and ankle conditions can be managed in different ways depending on the nature of the problem and the individual patient. Following a clinical assessment and any appropriate investigations, your orthopaedic surgeon can discuss the treatment options that may be suitable for you.
How long is recovery after foot or ankle surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual circumstances. Some patients may require a period of limited weight-bearing, immobilisation or rehabilitation. Your expected recovery and return to activities will be discussed as part of your individual treatment plan.
When should I see a specialist about foot or ankle pain?
If foot or ankle pain persists, returns repeatedly, affects your mobility, or prevents you from participating comfortably in normal activities, an assessment may be helpful. A consultation allows the cause of your symptoms to be investigated rather than assumed from symptoms alone.
Why does my foot or ankle hurt when I first get out of bed?
Pain or stiffness with the first few steps of the day can occur for a variety of reasons. Symptoms alone are not enough to determine the underlying cause, and persistent or worsening discomfort may benefit from a professional assessment.
Can I exercise with foot or ankle pain?
Whether it is appropriate to continue exercising depends on the individual and the nature of the problem. If an activity causes persistent or increasing pain, swelling, or difficulty moving, an assessment can help determine an appropriate approach to activity and recovery.
Please note: The information provided is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose a condition or replace an individual medical assessment. Treatment recommendations can only be made following an appropriate consultation and clinical evaluation.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Consider arranging an assessment if your foot and ankle pain is persistent, affecting daily activities, limiting movement or preventing you from enjoying normal activities.
SUPPORTING YOUR MOVEMENT
Care that starts with
understanding.
Whether you're dealing with ongoing joint pain,
a new injury, or considering surgery, the first step
is a careful assessment.
Book an Appointment
Netcare Umhlanga Medical Centre provides a dedicated outpatient consulting environment for orthopaedic assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. The facility offers convenient access to imaging, specialist services, and coordinated multidisciplinary care, supporting comprehensive pre- and post-operative management.
Netcare Umhlange Medical Centre
Our Rooms
Netcare Alberlito Hospital
Netcare Alberlito Hospital is a full-service private hospital where surgical procedures and inpatient orthopaedic care are performed. The hospital offers modern operating theatres, advanced surgical facilities, and comprehensive support services for both elective and trauma-related orthopaedic treatment.
Is this you?
· Hip Surgery & Reconstruction
· Trauma & Fracture Care
· Knee Ligament & Meniscus Injuries
· Foot & Ankle Disorders
· Sports Injury Management
· Paediatric Lower-Limb Orthopaedics
· Arthritis & Joint Preservation
