Indian foot and ankle scenario.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Medicine

Background:

• India has over 20,000 orthopedic surgeons but a scarcity of dedicated foot and ankle specialists.
• The field of foot and ankle surgery is not yet recognized as a distinct medical specialty in India.
• Despite a large population experiencing foot and ankle problems, advanced treatment concepts are not widely adopted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the challenges in foot and ankle care in India, including late presentations and complex deformities.
• To discuss common foot and ankle conditions and their management in the Indian context.
• To examine the historical development and current state of foot and ankle surgery in India.

Main Methods:

• Review of common forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot problems encountered in India.
• Discussion of routine care and management strategies for these conditions.
• Exploration of the journey of the first foot and ankle surgeon and center of excellence in India.

Main Results:

• Significant challenges exist, including late diagnosis, neglected cases, malunions, complex deformities, and diabetic foot issues.
• The article details common foot and ankle ailments and their standard treatment protocols in India.
• The narrative includes the rise and fall of India's first dedicated foot and ankle center, illustrating systemic issues.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for increased awareness, educational efforts, and market penetration to advance foot and ankle care in India.
• The current scenario is characterized by a lack of awareness, limited opportunities, and general negligence towards this subspecialty.
• Uplifting the Indian foot and ankle scenario requires focused interventions, potentially drawing from international expertise and educational models.