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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Duchy Hospital Specialists

Mr Anmar Al-Shawi

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Mr Gavin Bartlett

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Mr Henry Budd

Mr Henry Budd is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Cornwall and Devon
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Mr Mike Butler

Mr Mike Butler is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Truro, Cornwall who specialises in foot and ankle surgery
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Mr Paul Haggis

Mr Paul Haggis is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Cornwall
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Mr Richard M A Hawken

Mr Richard M A Hawken is a Orthopaedic Surgeon in Devon and Cornwall who specialises in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery.
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Mr Russell Hawkins

Mr Russell Hawkins is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Cornwall, Duchy Hospital
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Mr Shahid Khan

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Mr Robin Kincaid

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Mr Jon Matthews

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Mr Mark Norton

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Mr Ioannis Pengas

Mr Ioannis Pengas is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Truro, Cornwall
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Mr Rob Poulter

Mr Rob Pulter is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Truro, Cornwall who specialises in hand and wrist surgery
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Mr Shaun Sexton

Mr Shaun Sexton is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Truro, Cornwall who specialises in hip and knee surgery
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Mr Oliver Stokes

Mr Oliver Stokes is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Truro
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Mr Dan Williams

Mr Dan Williams is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Cornwall who specialises in knee and hip surgery
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