Overview
This page is designed to help you prepare for your appointment and understand what happens next, from initial assessment through to treatment and aftercare. Whether you are attending for podiatric surgery, a minor procedure, or injection therapy, the aim is the same – to provide clear clinical guidance and a practical plan that fits your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Booking an appointment
Appointments can be arranged by getting in touch via the Contact page. If you have already seen another clinician, it is helpful to bring any relevant letters, clinic notes, or imaging reports. If you are unsure which treatment pathway is most appropriate, a consultation is the best starting point, as it allows a full assessment and tailored advice and/or treatment.
What to expect at your consultation
Your consultation typically includes:
- A detailed discussion of your symptoms, how long they have been present, and what makes them better or worse
- A review of any previous treatment and your response to it
- An examination of the foot and ankle, including joint motion, tenderness, alignment, and basic imaging (X-rays)
- A discussion of the likely diagnosis and a structured plan
Where appropriate, imaging or further investigations may be recommended to clarify the diagnosis and plan treatment safely. Treatment does not always involve surgery. Many patients benefit initially from conservative measures, including footwear advice, insoles, medication, and steroid injection when clinically appropriate. If surgery is being considered, you will receive a clear explanation of the rationale, the proposed procedure, expected recovery, and the potential risks and complications.
Treatment planning and decision-making
A central part of the consultation is determining what is likely to be beneficial and what is unlikely to be beneficial. Surgery is not suitable for every problem, and it is generally considered when non-surgical options have been tried and are not sufficiently helpful, or when there is a clear structural or functional reason that surgery offers the most predictable relief. When surgery is advised, the focus is the relief of intractable pain or deformity and improved function, rather than cosmetic change alone.
Fees and costs
Many patients are seen on an NHS basis if referred in by their GP (with no cost to the patient). Others have health insurance.
Self-funding, fees, and costs vary depending on the type of appointment, the required investigations, and the treatment plan. Some patients prefer to know typical costs early, while others require an initial assessment to understand the available options. If you would like guidance, please contact the team, and we will explain what is included and what additional costs may apply for investigations or procedures.
A self-funded new-patient appointment costs £235. Each hospital will offer a fixed price package if you elect to self-fund your surgery.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery depends on the treatment performed. Some minor procedures have relatively short recovery periods, while foot surgery may require a longer rehabilitation phase and a gradual return to normal footwear and activity. You will receive specific aftercare guidance tailored to your procedure, which may include:
- Wound care and keeping the area protected
- Pain control and swelling management
- Footwear or a post-operative shoe/boot if required
- How to progress walking and activity safely
- Follow-up appointments to check healing and guide your recovery
It is normal for swelling to take time to settle after many foot procedures. Clear expectations and staged rehabilitation are important for a safe and successful outcome.
Locations and attending your appointment
Clinics are held at multiple locations. Each location page provides practical information to help you plan your visit, including where to attend, access details, and any specific arrival guidance. If you have questions about which treatments are offered at a particular location, please get in touch, and I will be happy to advise.