Orthopaedics
Painful flat and high-arched feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, foot deformities, forefoot pain and heel pain are common orthopaedic complaints. Our doctors are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating all of these problems and more. Each problem is slightly different and requires adequate time and attention to determine a proper course of treatment. Often these issues are due to an underlying subtle deformity of the foot and examination and x-rays can often identify this quite easily. Other times more in depth studies are necessary.
Once diagnosis is made, treatment options are discussed. Orthopaedic complaints often respond to orthotic devices or bracing: allowing the foot to function as it was designed rather than compensating for a subtle deformity. Stretching and other physical modalities will often be prescribed. At times surgical treatment is the best treatment and will be discussed completely with you.
The goal: to get you back to full, pain free living as quickly as possible.
Sports Medicine
Activity results in injury from time to time. These injuries can be of gradual onset and are often brought on by over use or training mistakes. Other injuries are of a traumatic nature such as ankle sprains and tendon tears. Whatever the cause, athletes want to return to their activity as quickly as possible.
The key to treating these injuries is prompt and accurate diagnosis. The foot and ankle are complex structures with many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Careful physical examination with an understanding of mechanism of injury is critical.
Techniques to assess injuries are varied and the appropriate tests will be performed. X-rays are often used to rule out bone injuries. This can often be performed on the same day. Advanced imaging including bone scans, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound and MRI can be ordered where necessary. Diagnostic injections are another powerful tool that can be used to diagnose or rule out injury to a specific structure.
Once diagnosis is accurately made, treatment begins. Treatment options are varied and will be discussed with each patient. Often injury responds to simple rest. Other times, immobilization may be necessary. Orthotics or bracing may be used to protect specific structures or decrease harmful motion.
Surgical treatment of some injuries is necessary. Some tendon tears do not respond to conservative care and require surgical repair. Fractures may require fixation. Ligaments may require shortening or repair. Should surgery be a treatment option our doctors will discuss the surgery, course of recovery, complications and risks of the surgery and expected outcome. Surgery is performed in a hospital or surgical centre for your comfort and safety.
Finally rehabilitation is essential. The doctors of the Calgary Foot Clinic have excellent working relationships with many physical therapists in the city of Calgary. In fact many of our patients are referred by their therapists. It is our goal to get each patient back to full activity as soon as possible with increased knowledge to prevent further injury.