Hindfoot disorders:
Causes, symptoms and therapy
Anatomically, the rear foot comprises the calcaneus, talus, navicular bone and cuboid bone. Common complaints include heel pain, which can be caused by overuse, misalignment or degenerative diseases. Typical conditions include heel spurs/Haglund's deformity, plantar fasciitis, and misalignments such as rearfoot valgus (heel bent inwards) or rearfoot varus (heel tilted outwards). Arthrosis in the ankle joints or chronic inflammation of the Achilles tendon can also lead to hindfoot pain. The causes are often overuse, rheumatic diseases, injuries or age-related wear and tear.
Treatment options in
hindfoot surgery at the
move ahead
The move ahead practice team specialises in the treatment of rear foot disorders using modern treatment concepts in foot and ankle surgery.
The move ahead practice offers a wide range of conservative and surgical therapies for the treatment of rear foot disorders for private patients and NHS patients on a self-pay basis.
Our specialists in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, Dr med Holm Edelmann and Dr med Tobias Gehlen, have extensive expertise in the correction of hindfoot malalignments, chronic or acute tendon injuries and osteoarthritis of the respective joints. Treatments using cartilage replacement procedures or artificial joint replacement can be offered here.
The move ahead practice provides comprehensive care for hindfoot disorders, including complex deformities such as pes planovalgus, always tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
Conservative therapy methods for
hindfoot disorders
Conservative therapies for hindfoot disorders include all treatment methods that alleviate heel pain and improve foot function without surgical intervention.
The most common conservative measures at move ahead include:
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Orthopaedic insoles: These support the arch of the foot and correct misalignments such as pes planovalgus, leadingwhich leads to relief of overloaded structures.
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Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises strengthen the foot muscles and improve mobility. Eccentric strengthening of the tendons can be particularly helpful in cases of tendon disorders.
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Shock wave therapy: This method is used to treat inflammation and heel pain by promoting tissue healing.
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Drug therapy: Anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and reduce swelling in conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
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Customised footwear: Special shoes or shoe modifications can relieve pressure points and improve foot position
We use these conservative therapies as a first step in the treatment of rear foot disorders and, in many cases, they can avoid or delay surgery.
Surgical therapies in rear foot disorders
If conservative approaches are not sufficient, state-of-the-art surgical procedures are available. These include tendon reconstructions, corrective osteotomies on the heel bone and joint-preserving procedures for osteoarthritis. In severe cases, hindfoot arthrodesis (fusion) or joint replacement of the upper ankle joint may be necessary to restore stability and permanently relieve heel pain. Minimally invasive techniques enable rapid recovery and reduce post-operative discomfort. Treatment is tailored to the individual needs of the patient – with the aim of improving mobility and quality of life in the long term.
Surgical treatments for rear foot disorders include various specialised procedures, which are selected depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Commonly used procedures include:
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Tendon reconstructions:
In the case of tendon injuries or tears, tendon suturing or tendon transfer may be necessary to restore function. -
Corrective osteotomies:
These procedures on the heel bone correct misalignments and improve foot statics and biomechanics including deformities related to pes planovalgus. -
Arthroscopic surgery:
Minimally invasive techniques for treating cartilage damage and other intra-articular problems. -
Rear foot arthrodesis:
A fusion operation used in cases of severe osteoarthritis or deformities to ensure stability. Depending on the findings, either one, two or three joint surfaces are fused.
FAQs
What rear foot disorders does the practice treat?
Treatment of heel pain, foot misalignments such as pes planovalgus, and other rear foot disorders.
What are common causes of rear foot disorders?
Incorrect weight distribution, overuse and degenerative changes.
What symptoms indicate rear foot disorders?
Pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
What treatment options are available?
Conservative and surgical treatments depending on the severity of the condition..
When is surgery necessary?
In cases of severe symptoms and failure of conservative measures.
How can I prevent hindfoot disorders?
By wearing suitable footwear and performing regular foot exercises.
What follow-up treatments are common?
Physiotherapy and regular check-ups.
Forefoot
Midfoot
Tendon
