Podiatric Surgery

Podiatric Surgery at North Downs Hospital

Podiatric surgery at Ramsay Health Care offers you fast and convenient appointments with one of our expert podiatric surgeons.

With extensive training in foot surgery and a qualification in podiatric surgical practice, our podiatric surgeons diagnose and treat the whole spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Some of our podiatrists specialise in specific areas of work such as diabetes, rheumatology, and sports injuries.

Your podiatric surgeon will discuss with you the best treatment for your foot problem. If they recommend surgery, they will talk to you about what it involves and how you can prepare for it, whilst also answering any questions you have. They work closely with the physiotherapy team who will offer their full support.

Our podiatric surgeons use the latest treatments and technology. Procedures are typically carried out on a day case basis so you can recover comfortably at home.

What is podiatric surgery

Podiatric surgery is the surgical treatment of your foot and its related structures including the bones, joints, and soft tissues.

It is usually recommended if other non-surgical treatments, such as physiotherapy and rest, have not relieved your pain, or if your foot is affected by a deformity.

Conditions treated in podiatry surgery include issues caused by bunions, arthritis, toe deformities and inflammation of your foot tissues.

What can a podiatric surgeon do?

A podiatric surgeon is a foot and ankle doctor. They assess your foot injury or condition and give you an expert opinion. Podiatrists have specialised knowledge of the structures of your feet and in treating foot pain and problems.

They will physically inspect your foot and ankle and assess your gait. This gives them the required information to diagnose certain conditions such as bunions and hammer toes.

To help with their diagnosis, they may refer you for an X-ray to look at your bones and joints or an MRI to get detailed images of your tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These tests can help your podiatrist determine the cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Foot symptoms are sometimes a sign of a more serious problem in another part of your body; a podiatrist can identify this.

Your podiatric surgeon can advise and recommend non-surgical treatment as well as surgery for your foot problem. They will fully explain their recommendations in your consultation.

What conditions can podiatrists treat?

There are a number of foot conditions that podiatrists can treat and may require podiatric surgery. These include:

  • Bunions
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of connective tissue)
  • Verrucae
  • Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of your foot)
  • Flat feet
  • Hammer, mallet, and claw toes
  • Foot arthritis
  • Morton’s neuroma (tissue thickening around a nerve)

Reasons to see a podiatric surgeon

There are many reasons to see a podiatric surgeon. The most common reason is for foot pain such as a sharp pain in your heel, pain or difficulty putting your foot down or ongoing pain.

Other common concerns to see a podiatric surgeon include:

  • Persistent foot or ankle joint pain
  • Swollen feet or inflamed/tender foot joints
  • Foot stiffness, redness, warmth
  • Foot or ankle joint deformity
  • Loss of range of motion or flexibility in your foot
  • Skin changes on your foot including colour, dryness and temperature
  • Changes in your foot structure, such as a higher arch.

What are the costs of podiatric surgery?

The costs of podiatric surgery vary from patient to patient. They depend on your foot condition, whether investigative tests are required, the best way to manage and treat your foot issue, and your chosen Ramsay hospital.

You will be advised of your appointment costs when you book your podiatry consultation. Any further costs for appointments, diagnostic tests and non-surgical or surgical treatment will be discussed and confirmed following your consultation.

Podiatric surgery costs are usually covered by medical insurance. We advise you to check with your insurance provider for their written confirmation before your appointment and when you have your treatment plan costs.

If you are paying for yourself, we offer a variety of payment options including interest-free finance.

What is the recovery process after a podiatric surgery

The recovery process after a podiatric surgery will depend on your foot condition, its severity and the recommended treatment.

For example, if you have bunion surgery your recovery may be longer than surgery for an ingrown toenail.

Bunion surgery recovery can involve initially staying off your feet as much as possible for at least two weeks, staying off work and not driving for six to 12 weeks and avoiding sports for up to six months.

Ingrown toenail surgery takes four to six weeks to heal if part of your nail is removed and 10 to 12 weeks if your whole nail is removed. However, you’ll be able to walk and get back to your usual activities during this time whilst avoiding swimming and sporting activities that may injure your operated toe.

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