Foot and Ankle

Our Foot and Ankle Service provides specialist assessment and treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting the foot and ankle, from acute injuries and long-term condition. We offer both surgical and non-surgical interventions to help relieve pain, restore movement and improve function. 

Our multidisciplinary team includes orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, specialist nurses and physiotherapists, who work together to support you through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Common Conditions We Treat Include
  • Ankle sprains, strains and instability 
  • Foot and ankle fractures 
  • Arthritis of the foot and ankle joints 
  • Achilles tendon disorders 
  • Bunions, hammertoes and toe deformities 
  • Flat feet and high-arched feet 
  • Sports-related injuries 
  • Soft tissue and tendon problems
Treatments We Offer Include
  • Arthroscopic surgery 
  • Tendon repair or reconstruction 
  • Correction of deformity (e.g. bunion surgery) 
  • Joint fusion or replacement 
  • Fracture fixation
How we assess you?

At your first appointment, our team will usually: 

  • Take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life 
  • Carry out a clinical examination 
  • Review or arrange investigations such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans if required 
  • Discuss your diagnosis and agree a personalised treatment plan 

We aim to ensure you fully understand your condition and the treatment options available to you. 

When should you seek help?

See your GP or healthcare professional if you have: 

  • Persistent ankle or foot pain 
  • Reduced movement or strength 
  • Symptoms that affect your quality of life 
  • Pain after an injury that does not improve 

Your GP will refer you to your local Musculoskeletal (MSK) community service first. The MSK team will assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, refer you to our service for a surgical treatment.

Preparing for Foot and Ankle Surgery

Before your foot and ankle surgery, our team will talk you through how to best prepare for surgery. This will include: 

  • Weight loss, if appropriate 
  • Stopping Smoking for better healing 
  • Eating a healthy diet and limiting alcohol intake 

It is important to do these things while you wait for your foot and ankle surgery, as it significantly lowers the risks of complications and infections as well as the speed of your recovery time.   

For more information on how to get physically and mentally ready for surgery click here.  

You can also watch a video here.

Pre-Op (Pre-operative Clinic)  

Before your procedure, you will attend a pre-operative clinic for health checks, blood tests, X-rays, and ECGs. Part of your pre-op assessment may take place over the phone. 

Once you have had a pre-op assessment, it will then be decided whether you are well enough for surgery and whether it is the best treatment for you. The clearing process will happen after you leave from your pre-op appointment, so please wait to hear from our Orthopaedic admin team to arrange a date for your procedure. Our Orthopaedic admin team will call you once you have been cleared for surgery. 

Find out more about pre-op here. 

Preparing for recovery at home 

We also encourage to prepare your home ahead of surgery.
 
You may want to think about: 

  • Asking for help 
    If you can, arrange for a friend or relative to be available to help you after you come home from hospital for a week or two, as needed.  
  • Sorting transport 
    Arrange for someone (either a friend or relative) to take you to and from the hospital. You will normally be unable to drive for at least 6 weeks after your operation.  
  • Stocking up 
    Buy food that is easy to prepare, such as frozen ready meals, cans and basic foods, such as rice and pasta, or prepare your own dishes to freeze and reheat during your recovery. 
     
    For more information watch this video on how to prepare for your surgery here.