Foot

There are a multitude of problems that can happen with the foot, from heel pain (plantar fasciitis) to flat feet and bunions. We present here a variety of treatment options for foot problems including orthopaedic surgery and podiatry from top Consultant Surgeons in the UK. The range of treatments will allow patients to make the right treatment decision for their diagnosis.

If you would like to speak to a doctor about treatments for your foot problem you can access a specialist here.

Expert articles

Cosmetic Foot Surgery

By Mr Amit Amin, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle SurgeonContact
St George's Hospital, The Wellington Hospital

Cosmetic foot surgery implies undertaking surgery to simply improve the visualRelating to the sense of sight (vision). appearance of the foot. This is controversial, and Orthopaedic surgeons in general do not believe in performing surgery purely for cosmetic reasons. We know that the potential complications associated with Orthopaedic foot surgery are serious and cannot be underestimated. Whilst most people have good results, some will be no better, and others may be worse off. Therefore, pain and dysfunction are important symptoms, and we as Orthopaedic surgeons specifically look for these problems when we first consult with you.

Peroneal tendon injuries

By Mr Amit Amin, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle SurgeonContact
St George's Hospital, The Wellington Hospital

Ongoing pain after an ankle sprain is common and can be due to peroneal tendon problems. In this article, I describe the range of problems that can affect the peroneal tendons, and the treatment options available, including the role of keyhole surgeryA type of minimally invasive surgery..

Treatment for a painful flat foot

By Mr Amit Amin, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle SurgeonContact
St George's Hospital, The Wellington Hospital

The most common cause of a painful flat foot is damage to the tibialis posterior tendon. This important structure runs on the inside of the ankle and is the principal stabiliser of the arch. This problem is also known as Adult Acquired Flat Foot deformity and usually occurs in middle-aged females, most of whom have had a slightly flat foot all their lives. The tendon stretches out over time and becomes less able to carry out its important functions. Occasionally an injury results in the tendon rupturing. Another common cause is an accessory (extra) navicular bone.

What is podiatry?

By Mr Trevor Prior, Consultant Podiatric SurgeonContact

All too often, people take their feet for granted and ignore or put up with the pain. Simple advice and conservative care may be all that is required to resolve problems with feet and a podiatristAnother term for chiropodist, a healthcare professional (not medically qualified doctor) specialising in foot care. is specifically trained to assess and manage these conditions.

With the exception of nail surgery, podiatrists use non-surgical methods of treatment and this remains the mainstay of treatment for most foot problems. Until recently, podiatrists in the United Kingdom were known as chiropodistsHealthcare professionals (not medically qualified doctors) specialising in foot care.. A podiatric surgeon is a podiatrist who has undertaken extensive postgraduate training in foot surgery. They are therefore not registered medical professionals (doctors) but specialists in the treatment of all foot problems using both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical treatment methods.

What causes bunions and what are the possible treatment options?

By Mr Sam Singh, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle SurgeonContact
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London Bridge Hospital

In this article Mr Sam Singh discusses bunions (Hallux Valgus) and outlines the various treatment options and recovery process for this common foot condition. Bunions are an overgrowth of new bone and soft tissueA group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. on the base of the big toe. Wearing shoes can worsen the deformity requiring treatment through the use of special shoes or surgery.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

By Mr Nick Savva, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeonContact
Dorset County Hospital, The Lister Hospital

Shockwaves are pulses of energy that can pass through any material and travel at near supersonic speeds. Good examples are tremors from a distant earthquake that pass through the earth’s crust. The technology was first used in medicine as a method of breaking up kidneyOne of two bean-shaped organs that are located on either side of the body, below the ribcage. The main role of the kidneys is to filter out waste products from the blood. stones from outside the body. The energy of shockwaves is released when the wave passes through an area of sudden change in density. More recently it has been discovered that shockwaves can be used to promote healing, particularly in areas where tissues vary in density such as where a tendon or ligament attaches to bone. Shock wave therapy is also used to alleviate the condition plantar fasciitisInflammation of a layer of connective tissue causing pain and tenderness. It is usually caused by straining or injuring the tissue around a muscle and most commonly affects the soles of the feet., which is a common cause of heel pain.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

By Mr Nick Savva, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeonContact
Dorset County Hospital, The Lister Hospital

Plantar fasciitisInflammation of a layer of connective tissue causing pain and tenderness. It is usually caused by straining or injuring the tissue around a muscle and most commonly affects the soles of the feet. is a common cause of heel pain. It is often also known by the colloquial name of Policeman’s heel. Fortunately it is a self-limiting condition and in most patients (80-90%) the symptoms will get better within ten months.

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