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FAQ

FAQ - Podiatric Surgery

Do I have to have an operation?

No. You always have options. If symptoms are mild, medication may be enough to control pain. Insoles or shoe modifications help many patients. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist and walking normally or wearing shoes comfortably is no longer possible.

Surgery may be the treatment of choice when non-surgical options are impractical or unsuccessful, and when your symptoms and clinical findings warrant surgical intervention. Surgery should primarily be performed to relieve intractable pain or deformity, rather than for cosmetic reasons alone.

In suitable cases, surgery aims to reduce pain (sometimes substantially or even completely), improve function and alignment, and make shoes more comfortable.

This is often carried out by specialist nurses with the backup of the anaesthetists.  You will be asked about your general health, your past medical history, and current medications. A screening process and investigations (which may include X-rays and scans) help assess the safety and appropriateness of any planned surgery. If concerns arise (for example, uncontrolled blood pressure), a further opinion may be needed, and surgery may be deferred.

There are often several surgical options depending on the deformity, where the pain is, and your overall health. This is discussed with you in advance. After surgery, the foot is heavily bandaged to protect the wound and help control bleeding and swelling.

Many procedures are performed as day-case surgery under local anaesthetic, so you are awake during the operation if you choose this option. The anaesthetic is given using injections at the toe, ankle, or knee. It takes away pain but not the sensation of touch. The local anaesthetic typically wears off after around 3-10 hours.

Yes. General anaesthesia is preferred by most patients. However, the anaesthetist may suggest a local or regional anaesthesia if he/she feels it is the safer option for you.

All operations carry risk. Successful outcomes depend on appropriate assessment and planning, careful screening to reduce complications, and following post-operative instructions. Most patients improve after their operation, though outcomes vary, and no procedure can guarantee a perfect result. The results also vary on the procedure performed, and your adherence to the post-operative regimen.

Possible complications listed include joint stiffness, recurrence of deformity, infection, prolonged swelling, delayed healing, irritation from wires or screws, changes in sensation, scar sensitivity, and very rarely a blood clot (DVT). Complications are usually treatable, but a small proportion of patients may develop longer-term issues.

FAQ - Aftercare and recovery

Why do I need someone to stay with me after surgery?

Please ensure you have someone stay with you for the first 48 hours after surgery. This is for safety. Rarely, patients may feel unwell after surgery or may fall and need assistance, particularly during the early recovery period.

Most operations are suitable for day surgery. If the procedure is more extensive, additional tests are needed, or there is no support available at home, an overnight stay may be more appropriate.

Yes. If you are unwell near the date of surgery, or someone in your household has an infectious illness, you are advised to contact the hospital to rearrange. Surgery may also be postponed if new health concerns are identified on the day.

If surgery is under local anaesthetic, you may have a light meal and a drink before attending. If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will not be able to eat on the day of surgery.

The foot will be sore for the first couple of days. Pain relief is provided after surgery, and you are advised to continue as needed. For excessive pain after the anaesthetic wears off, an ice pack applied at the ankle in short cycles may help

Often yes, although this depends on the procedure and your mobility. A post-operative shoe allows weight-bearing, and crutches can be arranged where required or requested.

The guidance recommends two full days of complete rest with the foot elevated, with gentle ankle exercises and walking limited to essential trips only. After that, light duties are typically advised for at least four weeks, wearing the surgical shoe when walking.

You can bathe after surgery, but you must keep dressings dry. The page advises avoiding showering where possible, or using dressing protectors. The wound should only be made wet once dressings are finally removed and the skin has healed. 

Recovery varies by procedure and individual healing rates. The page notes that many patients take around six months to fully recover, with swelling often persisting for some time and gradually reducing.

You should not drive on the day of the operation and are strongly advised not to drive while sutures are in place or while you are still wearing the post-operative shoe, typically the first 4-6 weeks.

Many patients return to work around 4-6 weeks after surgery, but this depends on your job demands and the nature of the procedure. More physical roles may require longer.

The page states that none of the surgeon’s patients have contracted MRSA, and outlines strict infection control measures, including screening and precautions. Keeping dressings dry is emphasised as wet dressings can increase infection risk.

A podiatric surgeon is a specialist in treating foot problems using both surgical and non-surgical methods. Podiatric surgeons qualify as podiatrists first and then undertake further postgraduate surgical training. Like dental surgeons, they are not registered medical practitioners.

FAQ - Steroid injections and injection therapy

How long does a steroid injection take to work?

This varies, but many people report improvement within 24-48 hours. In some cases it can take a few days, and some patients gain little benefit

The effect can last weeks or months, and in some cases longer.

I strongly advise resting for 12-24 hours post-injection and avoiding activities that normally worsen symptoms, to help the steroid work.

Side effects are described as rare at the low doses used, but can occur. Examples seen include a steroid flare (temporary but significant pain at the injection site), facial flushing, and occasionally local fat wasting, causing an indentation. Patienst that rest post-injection fare better.