Foot surgery



Many podiatrists are able to undertake nail and soft tissue surgery and administer local anaesthetics. Some podiatrists undergo further extensive training to become podiatric surgeons and can carry out surgical procedures on the foot and its associated structures.

Podiatric surgeons are highly specialised, only operating on the feet rather like a dental surgeon who only treats your mouth. Once qualified, podiatric surgeons become Fellows of the Surgical Faculty of the College of Podiatry. Fellowship involves a minimum of six years post-graduate training including two to three years surgical residency. All podiatric surgeons must be registered by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Podiatric surgery is carried out in many NHS trusts and private hospitals and clinics. It is normally carried out as day surgery and requires only local anaesthetic. It has helped thousands of patients in the NHS alone.

Common conditions treated by a podiatric surgeons include -

    Bunions (hallux abductovalgus) - bunions are bony prominences that develop at the base of the big toe, sometimes causing painful corns, bursae, infections and difficultly in finding footwear.

    Hallux rigidus - a condition whereby the big toe has reduced or no movement at the big toe joint as a result of osteoarthritic changes to the joint.

    Toe deformities - toe deformities occur when changes to the toe joints cause clawing, retracted or hammer toes that appear misshapen.

    Neuroma's neuroma's commonly develop between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. The nerve that runs between the metatarsal bones becomes aggravated and impinged, resulting in pain in the ball of the foot and shooting pain or numbness in the toes.

This list of foot conditions is by no means exhaustive. A podiatric surgeon will offer a full consultation and examination and discuss the most appropriate treatment for you.