A foot and ankle surgeon is a doctor who diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions of the lower limb. They have comprehensive knowledge of the structures of the leg from the hip to the feet and an understanding of associated or related medical conditions. Some common conditions treated by a foot and ankle surgeon include major trauma, fractures, arthritis, injuries to the lower limb, and foot deformities. A foot and ankle surgeon can also perform surgery on these areas if required.
A foot and ankle surgeon in Singapore can provide non-surgical management of patients, including education in terms of self-care measures or correct footwear for medical conditions such as bunions or flat feet. They will also advise orthopedic footwear and may choose to treat certain conditions with minimally invasive techniques such as injections or non-invasive methods such as casting and bracing. If surgery is required, a foot and ankle surgeon in Singapore can perform surgical procedures including arthroscopy of the knee, shoulder, and ankle; complex reconstructions of bones including fractures and arthritis; arthrodesis of the foot or ankle joint; tendon repairs from the palm down to the toes; amputations in cases of severe trauma or disease. A foot and ankle surgeon can perform minimally invasive surgery via key-hole incisions with advanced surgical tools depending on your medical condition.
Specialties
A foot and ankle surgeon is a specialist doctor within the following specialties:
surgery of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity plastic surgery – reconstruction after trauma or congenital disabilities orthopedics – treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions in conjunction with physical therapy podiatry/chiropody – diagnosis and non-surgical management of foot and ankle conditions
Education & Training
Foot and ankle surgeons have completed a bachelor’s degree in science or medicine before completing their postgraduate specialty training. This takes around 5 – 6 years, depending on the level of training at which you choose to specialize. In addition, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) board-certified subspecialties are recognized by the
Singapore Medical Council.
Professional Recognition & Associations
Foot and ankle surgeons in Singapore have been granted membership with the following organizations:
Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) – recognized as a board-certified specialist by the Singapore Medical Council Singapore Orthopaedic Association (SOA) American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM)
Salary & Availability
The salary and profile of foot and ankle surgeons in Singapore depend on their level of training and work experience. The starting salary is around SGD $35,000 – $45,000 per annum. Those who have gained more experience and completed their orthopedic specialty training could command a salary in the range of SGD 47,000 – $54,000.
The employment opportunities for foot and ankle surgeons in Singapore are available in major public and private hospitals. They also see patients at their clinics located around the island.
As specialist doctors, foot and ankle surgeons must register with the Medical Council of Singapore to practice medicine in Singapore. They need to maintain a good record of continuing education and training by attending local conferences or courses arranged by professional organizations like the Singapore Orthopaedic Association.
Final thoughts
A foot and ankle surgeon in Singapore can treat patients with various conditions affecting the lower limbs and feet. Treatment options vary depending on your medical condition, so it’s important to seek professional advice from a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
