Foot specialist Vienna | Orthopaedist for ankle & foot
Your specialist for foot pain & foot injuries
The ankle joint and the foot are among the most complex structures of our musculoskeletal system. Treating their illnesses therefore requires specialized knowledge and skills. For this reason, the specialty of foot surgery and ankle surgery has developed in orthopaedics. Experts in this field need to know the anatomy, function and pathological conditions of the individual parts of the foot and ankle in order to help their patients in the best possible way.
Anatomy of the foot
The foot is a highly complex structure consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. These structures work together harmoniously to enable walking, running and jumping.
Forefoot
The forefoot consists of the five metatarsal bones and the 14 toe bones. Typical conditions in this area are forefoot deformities such as hallux valgus and hammer toes.
Metatarsus
The metatarsus connects the forefoot to the hindfoot and consists of five long bones, the metatarsals. Problems such as metatarsalgia (pain in the metatarsal area) and signs of wear and tear often occur here.
Hindfoot
The hindfoot comprises the heel (calcaneus) and the ankle area (talus). Conditions such as heel spurs, Achilles tendon problems and instabilities in the ankle joint are common in this area.
Ankle joint
The ankle joint itself consists of the upper and lower ankle joint. It connects the foot to the lower leg and allows the foot to move. Signs of wear and tear (osteoarthritis), instabilities and post-traumatic conditions can occur here.
The complex structure of the foot requires a detailed understanding of its anatomy and function in order to accurately diagnose and effectively treat conditions. Each region of the foot can have specific problems that need to be treated individually.
Common diseases
Diseases of the ankle and foot can cause considerable pain and severely impair quality of life. Wear and tear (osteoarthritis) of the ankle joint, for example, often has a greater negative impact on quality of life than a heart attack or kidney failure. There are dozens of pathological conditions of the foot that require orthopaedic treatment. The most common foot disorders that require orthopaedic treatment include
- Forefoot deformities such as hallux valgus and deformities of the smaller toes
- Signs of wear and tear on the joints of the midfoot and hindfoot
- Flat feet (from children to the elderly)
- Problems with the Achilles tendon
- Post-traumatic conditions
- Instability and wear of the ankle joint(osteoarthritis)
- Diabetic foot
- u.v.m
Diagnosis of foot and ankle disorders
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of diseases of the ankle and foot is based on a thorough clinical examination and X-rays, including special images. The supporting examination methods include
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Scintigraphy
- Podoscopy
Anatomy of the foot
Conservative treatment
Many diseases of the ankle and foot can be treated conservatively. Both traditional methods and state-of-the-art procedures are used.
- Insoles: Individually fitted orthopaedic insoles can reduce the strain on the foot and correct misalignments.
- Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises and physiotherapy help to strengthen the muscles and improve mobility.
- Drug therapy: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can alleviate the symptoms.
- Laser therapy: This modern method uses light energy to promote healing processes and reduce pain.
- Cryotherapy: Targeted cold applications relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Shock wave therapy: High-energy sound waves are used to promote the healing of tissue.
Treatment through surgery - foot surgery & ankle surgery
Treatment through surgery - foot surgery & ankle surgery
However, a significant proportion of the diseases require a surgical solution. The experience of a specialist orthopaedic surgeon in foot surgery is crucial here.
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedures on the ankle joint in which a camera and instruments are inserted through small incisions to repair damage.
- Osteotomies: Corrective surgery on the bones to correct deformities.
- Fusion (arthrodesis): Stiffening of joints in severe osteoarthritis to relieve pain and increase stability.
- Tendon surgery: Repair or relocation of tendons to restore their function.
- Prostheses: In severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the ankle joint with a prosthesis.
- Diabetic foot surgery: Specialized procedures for the treatment of ulcers and infections in diabetic patients.
The choice of treatment method is always individualized, based on a thorough diagnosis and taking into account the specific needs of each patient.