Foot & Ankle Care in Gangnam, Seoul Explained in English
From a rolled ankle to a stiff, arthritic big toe, our orthopedic surgeons diagnose foot and ankle problems and start with the least invasive treatment that can work for you.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10), treats foot and ankle problems such as sprains, Achilles injuries, arthritis, bunions and fractures. Orthopedic surgeons examine you, order imaging if needed and usually begin with rest, bracing, physical therapy or guided injections, with arthroscopy or fracture fixation when required. English-speaking coordinators help throughout. Book on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Foot and ankle conditions we see every day
Your feet carry your whole body weight with every step, so even a small problem can change how you walk, work and travel. Seoul is a city of hills, stairs and long walks, and many visitors notice foot pain within days. These are the problems our Joint Center surgeons treat most often.
Ankle sprains & instability
Torn ankle ligaments from a twist. Most heal well, but repeated rolling can signal chronic instability.
Achilles tendon problems
Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, or a sudden snap that suggests a tendon tear.
Foot & ankle arthritis
Worn cartilage in the ankle, big toe or midfoot, often years after an old injury.
Bunions & hammertoes
A bony bump at the big toe or bent lesser toes that rub in shoes.
Ankle fractures
Broken ankle bones after a fall or twist, treated in a cast, boot or with surgery.
Heel & arch pain
Pain under the heel or arch that is often worse with your first steps in the morning.
Foot and ankle pages
Choose the topic closest to your symptoms to learn about causes, tests and treatment options. Sports injuries such as sprains and Achilles problems are also covered by our Sports Medicine team.
Foot & ankle arthritis
Ankle, big toe and midfoot arthritis, from insoles and injections to surgery.
Read more →Bunions & hammertoes
Toe deformities that hurt in shoes, and when correction makes sense.
Read more →Ankle fracture fixation
Cast, boot or plates and screws: how broken ankles are treated.
Read more →Ankle sprain
Rolled ankle care, rehab and help for ankles that keep giving way.
Read more →Achilles tendonitis
Heel and calf tendon pain in runners, walkers and active people.
Read more →Achilles tendon tear
A sudden snap behind the heel: diagnosis and repair options.
Read more →Which symptom points to which problem?
This guide is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Several conditions can feel alike, so an examination and, when needed, imaging are the reliable way to know.
| What you notice | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Ankle keeps rolling or feels loose | Old sprain with ligament laxity or chronic instability |
| Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel | Achilles tendonitis |
| Sudden snap behind the heel, hard to push off | Achilles tendon tear |
| Deep ankle ache, stiffness and swelling after activity | Ankle arthritis, often after an old injury |
| Bump at the big toe, sore in shoes | Bunion (hallux valgus) or big toe arthritis |
| Cannot bear weight after a fall or twist | Possible fracture: get an X-ray promptly |
If you cannot put weight on your foot, have severe swelling or a deformed ankle, seek same-day care. In a life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119.
A step-by-step approach to foot and ankle care
Most foot and ankle problems improve without surgery. We move up the ladder only when simpler care has not given you enough relief, and we explain each step in plain English.
Exam and imaging
Your surgeon checks how you stand and walk, tests stability and orders X-rays, ultrasound or MRI only when they will change treatment.
Protect and settle
Short-term rest, ice, a brace or walking boot, supportive shoes and pain relief to calm the injury down.
Physical therapy
Dedicated therapists rebuild ankle strength, balance and calf flexibility, which lowers the chance of the problem coming back.
Image-guided injections
Ultrasound- or fluoroscopy-guided injections can ease joint or soft-tissue pain. Bone marrow (BMAC) injection may be discussed for arthritis.
Arthroscopy
Keyhole ankle surgery through small incisions to clean out inflamed tissue, bone spurs or loose fragments.
Fixation or reconstruction
For displaced fractures or severe deformity, surgery such as plate and screw fixation restores alignment.
Fixing a displaced ankle fracture
When ankle bones break and shift out of place, the joint can heal unevenly. Fixation holds the pieces in the right position while they knit together.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Dr. Hyun Seok Seo
Ankle arthroscopy, cartilage and ligament care
Dr. Seong Cheol Moon
Sports injuries and arthroscopy
Dr. Young Wan Go
Fractures, sports medicine and osteoporosis
Dr. Jae Chang Lim
Bone marrow injection for arthritis
Keep rolling your ankle? Signs of chronic ankle instability · Video may be in Korean — ask our English-speaking team about anything you see.
Common Questions
Do I need a referral to see a foot and ankle doctor?
No referral is needed. Message our English-speaking coordinators on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 or email ihc_info@mfnanoori.co.kr, and they will help arrange a consultation with a Joint Center surgeon.
I twisted my ankle while traveling. Should I get an X-ray?
Many sprains do not need one, but an X-ray is sensible if you cannot take four steps, have tenderness over the ankle bones or the swelling is severe. If you are unsure, it is safer to be examined. See our ankle sprain page for self-care tips.
Can I walk around Seoul after a foot or ankle injury?
It depends on the injury. A brace, walking boot or crutches may let you keep moving safely, while some fractures and tendon tears need strict protection. Your surgeon will tell you how much weight you can put on the foot.
Does Korean National Health Insurance cover foot and ankle treatment?
We accept NHIS for foreign residents who are enrolled. If you have international health insurance, our coordinators can explain which medical and billing documents to request so you can file a claim with your insurer. Coverage depends on your policy.
Is surgery usually needed for foot and ankle pain?
Usually not. Most sprains, tendon problems and early arthritis improve with rest, bracing, physical therapy and sometimes injections. Surgery is considered for problems such as displaced fractures, some tendon tears or pain that has not responded to good non-surgical care.
How do I get to the hospital?
We are at 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Take subway Line 7 to Hakdong Station and use Exit 10.
Foot or ankle pain slowing you down?
Send us a WhatsApp message and an English-speaking coordinator will help you book a consultation.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
