ANKLE Conditions:
The foot and ankle form the foundations upon which we stand. Across the foot and ankle, 30 bones are held together and powered by complex sets of ligaments, muscles and tendon.
Dr Farhat manages all facets of foot and ankle conditions from acute injuries to chronic problems.
Acute Injuries
Ankle Sprains
Ankle "Sprains" i.e. ligament injuries of the ankle are the most common acute musculoskeletal injury. They are broken down into "HIGH ankle sprains" (less common but more serious) and "LOW ankle sprains" (more common, and usually managed without surgery).
Ankle sprains range in severity from isolated partial tears of certain ligaments, to complete tears of multiple ligaments rendering the ankle unstable.
When treated appropriately early on, the majority of ankle sprains can be treated successfully without surgery. However, surgery may be indicated if there is significant acute instability or if non-surgical management is neglected.
Ankle Fractures
Ankle Fractures refer to fractures of either the fibula and/or tibia bone at the level of the ankle joint, typically as a result of a twisting injury.
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They often result in pain, swelling and difficulty walking. Xrays determine whether the fracture/s are stable or unstable.
Stable fractures can often be treated without surgery in a boot / cast, whilst Unstable fractures often require surgery to fix the bones in the correct position for the best long-term results.
Achilles Tendon Tears
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It is pulled on by multiple muscles that are vital for walking, running and jumping.
Achilles tendon ruptures results in pain and swelling at the back of the ankle / lower calf.
Surgery is offered on a case-by-case basis depending on the location of the tear, amount of gapping, and patient medical history.
Dr Farhat deals with acute injuries of the Foot and Ankle on a regular basis and has experience with all types of acute injuries affecting the ankle and foot.
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Chronic Conditions
Dr Farhat deals with chronic conditions that affect the ankle. Broadly speaking these are either "Bone and Cartilage problems" or "Soft Tissue (muscle / tendon) problems".
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Bone / Cartilage
Ankle Arthritis
Ankle Arthritis refers to the symptoms that result of cartilage wear and tear in the ankle joint which comprises of the Tibia, Fibula and Talus.
Symptoms include pain, stiffness and in extreme cases, deformity of the ankle where it starts to collapse into an abnormal position.
Early on, ankle arthritis can be managed with weight loss, pain medications, steroid injections, physiotherapy, ankle braces, shoe wear modifications, and activity modifications.
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In more advanced cases surgery is considered. Dr Farhat offers multiple surgeries for Ankle Arthritis, and these include:
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Ankle Replacement Surgery
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Supra-malleolar Realignment Osteotomy
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Ankle Fusion Surgery
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Ankle Distraction Surgery
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Ankle Osteochondral Defects
Osteochondral Defects are areas in a joint where bone and/or cartilage collapses, predisposing the ankle to pain, swelling and eventually arthritis if not treated appropriately.
In the ankle joint they typically affect the talus bone. Often there is a history of previous ankle injury, however, they may sometimes occur for no identifiable reason i.e. idiopathic.
An MRI is typically ordered to identify the size and precis location of the defect, as this dictates the best course of management.
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Early management includes modified weight bearing, immobilisation in a moon-boot or cast, and reversing any contributing factors e.g. excessive alcohol intake, smoking etc.
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In advanced cases, Surgery is recommended, and this can include:
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Ankle arthroscopy and cleaning up (debridement) of the defect
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Bone grafting and Cartilage Regeneration procedures
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Bone/Cartilage transplantation
Heel Spurs and Haglund's Deformity
"Heel Spurs" are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis, causing heel pain and discomfort.
Haglund's Deformity, also known as "Pump Bump" and a "Dorsal Spur" is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel that can irritate the surrounding soft tissues, leading to pain and swelling.
Both conditions can result from repetitive pressure or friction, and they commonly affect athletes or individuals who frequently wear tight footwear.
Treatment options include rest, ice, orthotics, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
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