The sub-specialty of foot and ankle is evolving fast

Although the foot and ankle disorders and injuries are quite a common occurrence, these have seen a ‘willful neglect’ until the recent past. In the developing world, most of these clinical problems were either neglected or undertreated by the clinicians, perhaps due to lack of interest, understanding and knowledge and lack of appropriate training. In the last couple of decades, the sub-specialty of foot and ankle has been growing both in the developed and developing worlds.^{1, 2, 3} The recent interest in this subspeciality is reflected by an increasing number of practicing foot and ankle specialists, focused, national and international conferences, workshops, courses, regional networks and publications related to the foot and ankle conditions. To showcase the importance of foot and ankle disorders, we have included several high-quality reviews and original research articles, annotations, along with some very interesting case reports and technical tips. The variety of publications, in this special issue, range from fractures,^4,5 arthritis,⁶ diabetic foot problems,^7,8 tendon transfer for the foot drop,⁹ hallux valgus, club foot and Morton’s neuroma. There are also articles on ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia in foot and ankle surgery and on postoperative rehabilitation.^10,11

As we write this editorial, the entire world is battling with a massive crisis of dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Global healthcare systems have been stretched beyond limits. Draconian measures have been put in place across the world by the governments in an attempt to control this viral pandemic. From a healthcare point of view, non-essential orthopaedic surgery have been cancelled and relocation of patients and working outside one speciality interest and comfort zone has become a norm. We have included articles describing first hand experience and perspective of orthopaedic surgeons who have had to deal with this crisis situation.^{12, 13, 14}

We are hopeful that this special issue would provide insight into the current practice of foot and ankle problems to our readers and would also act as a useful reference for the future researchers. We sincerely hope that our readership is keeping well and staying safe in these very difficult times.