At OrthoACT, we understand that your feet and ankles are the foundation of your mobility. This intricate system—comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and numerous muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves—works seamlessly to provide balance, stability, and propulsion. When this system is injured, expert care from a qualified foot and ankle surgeon is essential to restore movement and quality of life.
Our highly skilled ankle orthopaedic surgeon in Canberra, Dr. M. Saqib Zafar, offers world-class diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care for all foot and ankle conditions.
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Foot and Ankle Surgery in Canberra
When conservative treatments are not enough, foot and ankle surgery may be necessary to restore proper function, alleviate pain, and prevent long-term complications. At OrthoACT, we provide advanced surgical interventions using minimally invasive techniques, including ankle arthroscopy, tendon repair, and fracture fixation.
Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, a sports injury, or a traumatic fracture, our expert ankle orthopaedic surgeon in Canberra is here to help you take the next step forward.
Explore Surgical Solutions That Work. Find out if you need foot or ankle surgery—speak with our orthopaedic specialist.
Common Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Ankle Strain or Sprain
An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when you fall or suddenly twist the ankle joint or land on your foot in an awkward position after a jump. A sprain is characterized by the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which stabilize adjacent bones in a joint. Conservative treatment includes rest, ice, and pain relief. A strain could take 1 week to recover, whereas a sprain may take 3 to 4 weeks. A severe sprain may require surgical intervention..
Ankle Fracture
Ankle fractures are one of the most common fractures seen in emergency departments. They are usually related to patients slipping, twisting, or rotating over the ankle. Damage can occur to the small bone on the outside (fibula) or the larger bone on the inside of the ankle (tibia) or to the ligaments that tie those bones together. Treatment depends on the stability of the ankle when it is weight-bearing, and can require x-rays, CAT scans or MRI scans to assist diagnosis. Treatment can range from fully weight bearing in a boot, to an operation inserting plates, screws or rods.
Dislocations of the ankle can happen at the same time that the bone breaks, and may lead to an injury soft tissue stripping, which could damage the actual joint lining surface. Accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential.
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Talus Fractures
The talus sits between the tibia and the heel bone and plays a key role in ankle movement. High-impact trauma, such as car accidents, can fracture this bone, disrupting blood flow and risking osteonecrosis. These fractures require precise surgical alignment and immobilization for 6–12 weeks. Long-term stiffness is common, making early treatment crucial.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A rupture of the Achilles tendon—the thick cord connecting your calf to your heel—often occurs during sudden sports movements. You may hear a snap and feel sharp pain. Non-surgical treatment includes casting and physiotherapy, while more severe tears may need surgical repair by a foot surgeon in Canberra.
Achilles Tendon Bursitis
This condition involves inflammation of the bursa near the Achilles tendon. It causes heel pain, swelling, and warmth. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pressure using orthotics, rest, or targeted therapies.
Stress Fractures
Often called “March fractures,” these injuries occur from repetitive stress, especially in military recruits or athletes. Weak bones due to osteoporosis can also contribute. Immobilization in a boot or cast for 6–12 weeks is often sufficient for recovery.
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Procedures
Ankle Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a keyhole surgical procedure during which the internal structure of a joint is examined for diagnosis and/or treatment. This surgical approach is most commonly used to assist in the diagnosis of:
Synovitis, inflammation of the lining of the ankle joint;
Osteoarthritis - arthritis caused by loss of joint cartilage; and
Acute or chronic injury
Talar dome lesions or loose bodies
Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are common particularly in military recruits who have normal bones but are subjected to walking long distances with heavy packs, thus overwhelming the bones ability to tolerate the forces being applied. These are called ‘March’ fractures as they are caused by marching. Stress fractures can also occur in relation to normal walking if people’s bones are weak.
The initial treatment is to reduce the amount of weight bearing done, and support this with either a boot or cast for somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks. It is important to also look for any secondary causes such as osteoporosis. The majority of these fractures do not require anything further than non-operative treatment.
The talus is the ankle bone, which sits between the bottom of the shinbone (tibia) and the top of the heel bone (calcaneus). Talus fractures often occur from high energy injuries such as car accidents.
The blood supply to the talus can be compromised when displacement of the bone leads to tearing of the blood vessels, and ongoing damage to the bone from a lack of blood (osteonecrosis).
Treatment is non-weight bearing for between 6 and 12 weeks, and anatomical realignment of the fracture which needs to be held with plates or screws or both. It is common for people to have long-standing stiffness after a fracture of the talus.
Talus Fractures
Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to heel bone. It is used when you walk, run and jump.
If the Achilles tendon is ruptured you will experience severe pain in the back of your leg, swelling, stiffness, and find it difficult to stand on tiptoe or push the leg when walking. A popping or snapping sound is often heard when the injury occurs. You may also feel a gap or depression in the tendon, just above heel bone. Some people describe a feeling like someone has kicked them in the back of the leg.
Achilles tendon rupture may initially be treated non-surgically by wearing a cast or special brace which is changed after some period of time to bring the tendon back to its normal length. Combined with physiotherapy to improve the strength and flexibility of leg muscles and the Achilles tendon. Depending on the degree of injury a surgical procedure involving opening of the skin and suturing the torn tendon together may be recommended. It has been found that surgery helps decrease the recurrence of the Achilles tendon in comparison to the non-surgical treatment.
To help prevent an Achilles tendon injury, it is a good practice to perform stretching and warm-up exercises before any participating in any activities. Gradually increase the intensity and length of time of activity. Muscle conditioning may also help.
Achilles Tendon Bursitis
Achilles tendon bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) located between the skin of the back of the heel and the Achilles tendon (called posterior Achilles tendon bursitis) or in front of the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the heel bone (called anterior Achilles tendon bursitis). Typical symptoms include swelling and warmth and a tender spot at the back of the heel.
Treatment is aimed at relieving the inflammation and, depending on the location of the Achilles tendon bursitis, eliminating the pressure on the back of the heel.
Our specialist foot & ankle surgeon is:
Dr M. Saqib Zafar
Bsc, MBBS, MRCS(UK), FRACS(orth), FAOrthA
Dr. Saqib Zafar is a renowned ankle orthopaedic surgeon and foot doctor in Canberra with international training and decades of experience. After graduating from King Edward Medical College, Pakistan, he completed his fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma at The Canberra Hospital in 2021. He specialises in treating complex foot and ankle injuries using both surgical and conservative techniques, ensuring personalised and effective care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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If you're experiencing persistent foot or ankle pain, difficulty walking, swelling, or instability, it’s time to consult a foot surgeon in Canberra. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications.
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No. Many conditions can be managed with rest, physiotherapy, and bracing. Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatments fail or in the case of severe injuries.
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Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. Some surgeries allow for partial weight-bearing within weeks, while others require longer non-weight-bearing periods. Your foot and ankle surgeon will guide your recovery with a tailored rehabilitation plan.
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Ankle arthroscopy is minimally invasive and often associated with less pain and quicker recovery than open surgery. Pain is managed effectively with medications and physiotherapy.
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Yes. Warming up, strengthening exercises, proper footwear, and avoiding overuse can significantly reduce your risk of injury.
For trusted care from an experienced foot and ankle surgeon in Canberra, contact OrthoACT today to schedule a consultation.
Book your appointment now and take the first step toward pain-free movement.