Hallux Valgus, commonly referred to as a bunion, is a deformity where a bump forms on the outside of the big toe. This foot deformity occurs from years of pressure on the big toe joint (the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint). Eventually, the toe joint gets out of alignment, and a bony bump forms. This causes pain in the big toe and difficulty with shoe wear.

This condition is more common in women than in men. Risk factors include, genetic predisposition, arthritis and regularly wearing shoes with a high heel and narrow toe box.

Shoe modification may assist in pain management, but surgery is often necessary to avoid the onset of arthritis.

Flatfoot is a condition in which the entire sole of the foot touches the floor when standing.

Flat feet can occur during childhood if the arches of the feet don't develop, after an injury or from the wear and tear of ageing.

A deformity that develops after skeletal maturity is reached, is commonly referred to as adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). AAFD should be differentiated from constitutional flatfoot, which is a common entity that is encountered by orthopaedic surgeons such as Dr Wessels.

The use of the term acquired implies that some physiologic or structural change causes deformity in a foot that previously was structurally normal.

Most people have no symptoms associated with flat feet. But some people with flat feet experience foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area.

For painful flat feet, treatments include arch supports for the shoes, stretching, a structurally supportive shoe or as a last resort surgical intervention.

Haglund's deformity is often called “pump bump” because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the enlargement when walking. However, in reality, any close fitting shoe from a sandal to a pump, can cause this irritation.

When a Haglund's deformity develops, it will not go away without treatment. If symptoms are mild, the condition will not necessarily cause constant pain, and lifestyle measures can help manage it. However, the bone lump will not shrink. Only surgery will remove the additional once it develops.

Dr Cobus is a specialist in the area of Haglund's deformity surgery.

In more than 1000 cases to date, Dr Wessels has utilised a specialist, break-through technique (“Internal Bracing”) for the treatment of ankle ligament injuries.

This technique offers better results with faster recovery.

The Calcaneus is better known as the heel bone.

A fracture of this bone commonly occurs during a high impact event such as falling from a ladder.

Dr Wessels admits that a heel fracture can heal on its own, but without proper medical treatment the concern is this fracture will mend improperly with long term problems including chronic pain and arthritis.

Achilles Tendon Ruptures are common tendon injuries that occur due to sudden dorsiflexion, the backward bending and contracting, of a plantarflexed foot. A plantarflexed foot is the downward movement of the foot away from the leg. Plantarflexion is the movement used to press the accelerator pedal in a car.

More common in men ages 30-40 and risk factors include episodic athletes, such as the "weekend warrior".

In the history of tendon rupture the patient usually reports a "pop" and symptoms might include weakness and difficulty walking and pain in the heel.

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition also called: policeman's heel.

It is most commonly seen in middle-aged men and women but may affect anyone, especially those who are constantly on their feet. It is therefore sometimes called policeman's heel because of the time policemen spend on their feet - however Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that really can affect anybody.

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The inflamed tissue runs across the bottom of the foot. Symptoms include stabbing pain near the heel. Pain might be worst in the morning.

If the condition does not resolve itself with home therapy within three (3) months a patient should consult with Dr Wessels who would be able to recommend other pain relieving therapies, and as a last resort surgery.