What we treat
Foot and Ankle: Treatment and Surgery in Singapore
Foot Pain
A broad symptom from heel to toes, caused by nerve irritation, joint strain, or structural issues like flat feet. The exact cause determines treatment
Ankle pain
Can come from an old sprain that never fully healed, arthritis affecting the joint surfaces, or ongoing tendon irritation from repeated daily use here.
Treatment guide
Which Treatment Should You Consider And When?
Not every condition needs the same path. Here is what each typically leads to, from straightforward recovery to surgery becoming part of the conversation.
Don’t wait it out
Foot and Ankle Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Some aches fade with a few days of rest. Others are your body flagging a heel, foot, or ankle problem that needs a proper look. Watch for:
- Persistent heel pain, especially first thing in the morning
- Forefoot pain or aching around the ball of the foot
- Ankle pain that doesn’t settle, or swelling that lingers for days
- Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting
- A feeling of instability, as though your ankle might give way
- Ankle sprains that keep happening, even from minor missteps
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
How we assess
How We Assess Foot and Ankle Problems
Understanding what causes foot and ankle pain, starts with a proper assessment, not guesswork.
Conversation
Pain history: when it started, what makes it worse
Physical exam
Stability check, range of motion, locating the source
Imaging
X-ray or MRI, if needed, to confirm the diagnosis
Treatment plan
Clear path forward, whether It’s non-surgical or surgical care.
Meet your specialist
Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran
MBChB (Bristol) · MRCS.Ed · Dip. Sports Med.Ed · FRCS.Ed (Trauma & Ortho.) · FAMS (Singapore)
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an orthopaedic surgeon. He was formerly Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics. He currently sits on the Foot and Ankle Specialty Committee of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association, and sees patients at Mount Alvernia Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre.
If your foot or ankle pain has been going on for a while, or keeps interrupting the things you’d rather be doing, schedule an assessment with our foot and ankle specialist. The right diagnosis is the first real step back to moving properly again.
Questions patients ask
FAQs
How do I know if my ankle pain is serious?
Ankle pain is generally considered serious if it lasts more than one to two weeks, comes with swelling or instability, or makes it difficult to bear weight. Any of these signs are worth a proper assessment rather than waiting it out.
When should I see a foot and ankle specialist?
You should see a foot and ankle specialist if your pain affects your walking, keeps returning, or hasn’t improved after a few weeks of rest and basic care. Earlier assessment usually means a simpler treatment path.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Most patients see meaningful improvement within a few months of consistent treatment. Timelines vary depending on how long you’ve had symptoms and how severe the inflammation is; chronic cases take longer.
Do I need surgery for bunions?
Not always. Many bunions are managed with wider footwear, padding, and activity changes. Surgery becomes a more realistic option when pain limits your walking or your footwear choices have narrowed significantly.
What happens if a sprained ankle is left untreated?
Sprains that aren’t properly rehabilitated can leave the ankle less stable, making further sprains more likely. Recurring instability is one of the more common reasons people eventually need ligament reconstruction surgery.
Is surgery always the first option for foot and ankle pain?
No. Most conditions are treated conservatively first, with rest, physiotherapy, footwear changes, or bracing. Surgery is considered when conservative care hasn’t resolved the problem or the underlying damage needs correcting directly.
Consult a Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Singapore
If your foot or ankle pain has been going on for a while, book an assessment with our foot and ankle specialist. The right diagnosis is the first real step forward to