Mr Shariff is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in surgery of the foot and ankle including Bunions, Sports injuries and Arthroscopy, Ankle Arthritis and Fusions. He works closely with podiatrists, physiotherapists, rheumatologists and orthotists to provide a comprehensive multi-disciplinary service. He provides a tertiary level service for complex foot and ankle problems accepting referrals from colleagues and neighbouring hospitals.

Common Conditions

Plantar fasciitis: is a common condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a fibrous sheet in the sole of your foot which helps maintain the arch. Heel pain, (sometimes intermittent) is usually worse in the morning (when rising) also after periods of prolonged sitting or at the start of sporting activity. Treatment includes physiotherapy, orthotics (or insoles), stretching exercises and changing footwear.

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are a painful lump of bone on the outside of the big toe caused by a deformity of the big toe. The lump is the head of the first metatarsal bone moving outwards and the big toe moves outwards in the direction of the second toe. Bunions cause pain due to rubbing on the inner aspect of footwear. The skin over bunions gets thick (callus) and often red and sore especially at the end of the day.

What causes a bunion?

There is not one specific reason why a bunion develops, but is thought to be a combination of factors including prolonged pressure put on the feet, family history, or abnormal bone structure.

Tips to prevent bunions: 1. Keep an eye on the shape of your feet; if you see changes see a doctor to find out if there are any recommendations to prevent hallux valgus from forming 2. Strengthen your feet by exercising them 3. Wear shoes that fit your feet well and offer good support 4. For women, they should try to avoid shoes that have a heel or pointed toe (sorry stilettos!).

Symptoms: In the early stages, a bunion may be completely pain free and not very visible. Over time the bunion may become bigger and noticeable. Some shoes, especially tighter fitting shoe, may rub on the prominence of the bunion producing symptoms such as:

• Bulging lump on the outside of the big toe
• Swelling and soreness around the big toe
• Ongoing pain
• Limited movement of the big toe
• Difficulty finding shoes that are comfortable and that fit around the lump

Conservative treatments for bunions: Many patients with bunions can manage their symptoms without the need for surgical correction. There are a number of methods that can be helpful. Changing footwear is key i.e. wearing shoes that are wide around the toes and have a low heel can help to alleviate the symptoms. Physiotherapy and strengthening of the small muscles within the foot can help with symptoms of foot pain in general.

Surgical correction: Hallux valgus correction is an operation that corrects the bunion deformity. This surgery is only necessary if nonsurgical methods have not worked to relieve the pain.

Ankle Arthroscopy: An ankle arthroscopy is a ‘look’ into the ankle joint, which also allows keyhole surgery to be carried out. This procedure involves making two or three small puncture wounds usually in the front of the ankle. A small arthroscope (3 to 5 millimetres in diameter) is inserted into the ankle allowing the surgeon to see and operate inside the ankle joint. A number of different soft tissue and bony conditions can be treated arthroscopically, e.g. removal of bony spurs or loose bone fragments or shaving of soft tissue inflammation (synovitis). Success and recovery rates vary depending upon the specific condition being treated and will be discussed with you prior to surgery.

The Neutral Heel Push Test

Mr Shariff alongside his colleague Mr Pasapula have described a new orthopaedic test for the integrity of the spring ligament.

The research was carried out at the Evelyn Cambridge Surgical Training Centre which resulted in a publication: Neutral heel lateral push test: The first clinical examination of spring ligament integrity The Foot Vol 25, Issue 2, June 2015, Pages 69-74.

Professional Websites

• http://www.sajidshariff.co.uk/
• http://progenorthopaedics.com/

• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Sports Injuries: Ligament Reconstruction and Arthroscopy
• Bunions
• Tendon transfer and Reconstruction
• Fractures and Orthopaedic injuries

• British Orthopaedic Association (BOA)
• General Medical Council (GMC)