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Foot & Ankle

The foot and ankle are an intricate system of 28 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments and numerous muscles. This complex system is capable of bearing weight and navigating uneven terrains.

At a glance

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Foot and Ankle Treatment

Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your mobility. Pain or discomfort in them can be limiting and frustrating. At One Health, we’re dedicated to helping you regain mobility and reduce pain.

Whether you’re suffering from an injury or condition, our expert consultants have the technology and knowledge to diagnose and treat your feet and ankles.

Common conditions

Overuse, trauma, sprains, or changes in your biomechanics may cause foot and ankle problems. Others relate to wear and tear, such as osteoarthritis. We understand foot and ankle conditions well, and regularly treat conditions such as Achilles tendon injuries, claw toe deformities, and chronic ankle pain.

Pain relief, rest, and supportive footwear can ease some conditions, while others require surgery, physio, and treatment.

Popular treatments

We aim to help you return to your regular activities – pain-free and more mobile. We specialise in advanced foot and ankle treatments to address various issues.

  • Total ankle replacement for painful arthritis, deformity, or following an accident
  • MTP joint fusion for people with arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal or MTP joint
  • Achilles tendon repair following an Achilles rupture
  • Claw toe correction to straighten the toes to make shoes comfortable
  • Subtalar fusion to heal an area together if a joint replacement is not an option

Preparation

Before foot and ankle surgery, make the necessary preparations. These include some basic foot care routines, like washing your feet and toes daily, moisturising them if the skin is dry, and avoiding blisters, abrasions or ulcers. You should remove nail polish and use antifungal treatments if you have conditions such as athlete’s foot.

You may also need to stop taking certain medications before treatment, so discuss the specifics with your medical team. Please let us know if you have had recent dental work, an infection, or antibiotics within six weeks of the operation, for instance. If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking can delay the healing of bone and skin and increase the risk of general anaesthetic. If you are overweight, try to lose some weight before surgery to take pressure off your feet and ankles and aid your recovery. Eat a healthy diet leading up to the operation as this can aid recovery and healing.

There are also some preparations you need to make for your return home. Arrange for someone to help with shopping, cooking, and housework after the surgery. You could also move a bed downstairs, remove any clutter and obstacles to reduce the risk of falls, and make sure you have a comfortable seat ready with a place to elevate your foot.

Risks and complications

As with all surgeries, foot and ankle surgery has risks and, in some cases, may lead to complications. You should always discuss the specific risks with your surgeon.

Risks include:

  • Pain, swelling and bruising
  • Infection. An infection may be treated with antibiotics, but deeper infections require further surgery
  • If nerves are damaged in surgery, you may experience numbness
  • Increased pain
  • Tender scar
  • Fracture

Deep vein thrombosis can occur if you get a blood clot. If you’re at risk of a blood clot, your medical team will take extra precautions

Recovering from Foot and Ankle Treatments

After your surgery, you are advised to rest with your foot elevated and to take the required pain medication. You must not get the dressing wet in the bath or shower. If you have a cast or surgical shoe, it’s important that you keep it on until you are told otherwise. If you have crutches or walking aids, you should use them to help you move safely after surgery.

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Foot & Ankle

Conditions

Foot & Ankle

Procedures

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Foot & Ankle

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Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can I go home after my surgery?

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What activities are safe after surgery?

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When can I go back to work after surgery?

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When can I start driving after surgery?

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What activities can I do while I recover?

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Will I need a follow-up after foot and ankle surgery?

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Tired of waiting for healthcare treatment?

One Health waiting times from consultation to treatment are 3 - 7 weeks on average.

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