Foot Specialist Singapore

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr Chong Xue Ling, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at FEM Surgery, specialises in foot and ankle conditions. She earned her medical degree from the National University of Singapore, followed by a Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dr Chong applies specialised techniques to offer a range of surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.

Types of Foot Conditions Treated

Dr Chong Xue Ling provides care for a range of foot conditions, addressing both structural and soft tissue concerns. Some of the conditions she treats include:

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe due to joint misalignment. It can worsen over time, causing changes in foot shape and potential discomfort.

Flat feet occur when the arch collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. It may be present from birth or develop later due to ageing, injury, or tendon weakness.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the foot’s arch. It is a common cause of heel pain, often linked to repetitive strain or poor foot mechanics.

This condition involves thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. It is often associated with excessive pressure from footwear or foot structure abnormalities.

Toe deformities involve abnormal bending of the toe joints due to muscle imbalances or prolonged pressure. They can cause progressive stiffness and discomfort, especially in tight footwear.

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often results from overuse, sudden increases in activity, or improper footwear.

Foot fractures range from acute breaks due to trauma to stress fractures caused by repetitive impact. Stress fractures commonly affect weight-bearing bones and can develop gradually over time.

Symptoms of Foot Problems

Recognising the symptoms of foot problems helps ensure timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

Pain During Movement

Pain while walking, running, or standing may indicate a foot condition. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause.

Swelling and Redness

Noticeable swelling around the foot or ankle, often accompanied by redness, can suggest inflammation or injury. These symptoms may worsen after extended periods of activity.

Limited Mobility

Difficulty moving the foot or ankle freely or experiencing stiffness that restricts normal movement can signal an underlying foot condition that needs attention.

Structural Changes

Visible changes in foot shape, such as developing a bunion, fallen arches, or abnormal positioning of the toes, indicate structural problems that may benefit from medical assessment.

Diagnostic Methods

A thorough visual inspection of the foot and ankle helps identify structural abnormalities or signs of inflammation. This examination provides immediate insights into the condition.

Observing how a patient walks reveals biomechanical issues that may contribute to foot problems. This assessment examines weight distribution, step pattern, and foot positioning during movement.

X-rays show bone structure and alignment, helping diagnose conditions like bunions or stress fractures. MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues, tendons, and ligaments for comprehensive evaluation.

Using specialised equipment to measure pressure distribution across the foot while standing or walking helps identify areas of excessive pressure that might lead to pain or callus formation.

Treatment Options

Treatment plans are tailored to the specific type and severity of foot conditions. Dr. Chong offers both non-surgical and surgical options.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Orthotic Devices: Custom-made shoe inserts support the foot properly, correct abnormal walking patterns, and relieve pressure on painful areas. These devices help distribute weight evenly across the foot and can prevent the progression of certain conditions.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises strengthen foot muscles, improve flexibility, and correct imbalances. Physical therapy programmes often include stretching routines, balance training, and techniques to reduce pain and inflammation.
Activity Modification: Adjusting activities to reduce stress on the feet allows healing and prevents further damage. This might involve switching to low-impact exercises, modifying workout intensity, or incorporating proper rest periods.

Surgical Treatment

Bunion Correction: This procedure realigns the bones and soft tissues of the big toe to correct deformity and relieve pain. The surgery may involve removing the bunion bump and realigning the joint to restore normal foot structure.
Plantar Fascia Release: In cases where plantar fasciitis does not improve with conservative treatments, a surgical release may be performed. This involves carefully cutting part of the plantar fascia to relieve tension and reduce heel pain.
Toe Deformity Correction: Procedures for hammertoes, claw toes, or mallet toes involve realigning the affected joints, releasing tight tendons, or removing a small section of bone to straighten the toe and restore function.
Achilles Tendon Repair: For severe Achilles tendon injuries or chronic conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical repair may be necessary. The procedure reattaches torn tendon fibres or removes damaged tissue to promote healing.
Foot Fracture Fixation: For complex or displaced foot fractures, surgical fixation using screws, plates, or pins may be required to stabilise the bones and promote proper healing.

Dr Chong Xue Ling

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr Chong Xue Ling is a Swiss fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle, as well as shoulder and elbow surgery.

She is a member of the European Group for the Study and Research of Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. For shoulder and elbow surgery, she completed her fellowship at La Tour Hospital, an accredited Swiss Olympic Medical Centre and learnt innovative techniques in arthroplasty for earlier return to activity as well as the stabilising techniques, developed to have greater strength without extensive fixation.

MBBS (S’pore)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed Orthopaedic (S’pore)
FRCS Orthopaedic (Edinburgh)

Through active involvement in research, she aims to constantly improve existing treatment in the pursuit of quality care for her patients.

Read Full Bio

Our clinics are under the following

insurance panels

For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.

Reach Out To Us

We are committed to providing a one-stop experience, where you’ll receive a meticulous consultation and high-quality service in a comfortable environment.

Get Started

Book An Appointment

Foot Specialist Singapore

Frequently Asked
Questions

What is the recovery time for foot surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure and individual healing factors. Minor surgeries, such as bunion correction, may take a few weeks, while more complex procedures like flat foot reconstruction or Achilles tendon repair can require several months of rehabilitation, including physical therapy and a gradual return to normal activities.

When should I seek medical advice for foot pain?

It is advisable to see a specialist if foot pain persists for more than a week, worsens over time, or interferes with walking or daily activities. Seek immediate medical attention for visible deformities, swelling, redness, warmth, or signs of infection.

How can I prevent foot problems?

Wearing well-fitted, supportive footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, and stretching regularly can help prevent foot issues. Limiting high-impact activities and prolonged standing also reduces strain and injury risk.

Foot Specialist Singapore

Types of Foot Conditions Treated