Foot & Ankle Pain: When to See a Specialist (And What to Expect)
Dr Sheraz Anjum is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, specialising in foot and ankle surgery, complex trauma and limb reconstruction. With more than 15 years of local and international experience, he focuses on relieving pain while preserving movement. Dr Anjum is also Head of Department – Orthopaedics at Wollongong and Shellharbour Hospitals.
Foot and ankle pain is common but knowing when to seek specialist care isn’t always clear.
For many people, symptoms begin gradually: stiffness, swelling, pain during activity, or a sense that something “isn’t quite right.” Others experience sudden injuries that don’t improve as expected.
As Dr Sheraz Anjum explains, persistent foot and ankle pain should never be ignored.
“Your feet carry you through life,” Dr Anjum said.
“If pain is limiting your ability to walk, work or sleep, it’s worth understanding why — and what your options are.”
Dr Sheraz Anjum and Dr Meghan Dares discussing foot and ankle pain at Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group.
When Foot & Ankle Pain Should Be Assessed
While many foot and ankle problems can be managed initially with rest, physiotherapy or conservative care, certain signs suggest specialist input may be helpful.
These include:
pain that persists despite treatment
swelling or stiffness that worsens over time
reduced movement or instability
deformity or changes in foot shape
pain that affects daily activities or sleep
“Pain is the body’s way of telling you something isn’t right,” Dr Anjum said.
“When symptoms don’t settle, further assessment is important.”
Why the Foot & Ankle Is Different
The foot and ankle are among the most complex structures in the body, made up of many small bones, joints and tendons working together.
“Even a small problem can have a big impact on how someone moves,” Dr Anjum said.
“And because the foot is the first thing that hits the ground, alignment really matters.”
Conditions affecting the foot and ankle can include:
arthritis
tendon injuries
ligament instability
sports-related injuries
deformities
post-traumatic damage
Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure treatment is directed at the true cause — not just the symptoms.
What a Specialist Assessment Involves
Seeing a foot and ankle specialist isn’t about rushing into surgery.
“In fact, surgery is rarely the first step,” Dr Anjum said.
“Our role is to assess the problem thoroughly and guide patients through their options.”
A specialist assessment may include:
a detailed history and physical examination
review of previous imaging or investigations
additional imaging if needed
discussion of non-surgical and surgical pathways
“At Joint Vision, these decisions are supported by an integrated team,” Dr Anjum said.
“That allows us to tailor care to the individual.”
Non-Surgical Care First — Surgery When Needed
Many foot and ankle conditions improve with non-surgical management, including physiotherapy, activity modification, footwear changes or orthotics.
“When these measures work, that’s a great outcome,” Dr Anjum said.
“But when pain persists or quality of life is affected, surgical options may need to be considered.”
Surgical treatments range from minimally invasive keyhole procedures to joint replacement or reconstructive surgery, depending on the condition and its severity.
The Value of Early Specialist Input
Dr Anjum notes that patients often delay seeing a specialist until pain becomes severe.
“Early assessment doesn’t mean early surgery,” he said.
“It means early clarity.”
In some cases — particularly with progressive conditions such as arthritis or diabetes-related deformity — early intervention can help prevent further deterioration.
What Patients Can Expect at Joint Vision
At Joint Vision, foot and ankle care is delivered through a coordinated, patient-centred model.
Patients benefit from:
specialist surgical expertise
onsite imaging and planning
allied health support
clear communication and follow-up
“Our goal is to help patients understand their condition and feel supported at every stage,” Dr Anjum said.
Taking the Next Step
Foot and ankle pain doesn’t have to become a permanent part of life.
“If something is limiting how you move or live, it’s worth having it assessed,” Dr Anjum said.
“Understanding the problem is the first step toward improving it.”
If you’re experiencing ongoing foot or ankle pain, a specialist assessment can help clarify your options and guide the next steps in your care.
👉 Learn more about foot and ankle care at Joint Vision or book an appointment today