Foot and ankle surgery in Northwood, Middlesex

Our feet and ankles are used countless times every day, often without conscious thought. Whether we’re climbing the stairs, pottering around the house, exercising with a friend or out on the school run, our feet and ankles play a big part in making each of these movements and activities possible. 

A foot and ankle together contain 28 bones and a number of ligaments, tendons and joints which work together to give incredible mobility and function. Given the complex anatomy involved, it is not surprising that even small disruptions can have a significant impact on how well we are able to move. 

The foot and ankle can be affected, often quite easily, by trauma, ‘wear and tear’ degeneration or disease. Particularly common complaints are sports injuries to the ankle, fallen arches, high arches and bunions.

At Bishops Wood Hospital, experienced foot and ankle surgeons treat a range of foot and ankle conditions, helping to get people out of pain and back to better mobility and function once again. They would be delighted to help you too.  

Bishops Wood Hospital is located in Northwood in North West London, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. People visit us from local areas including Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Pinner, Ruislip and Amersham, as well as Uxbridge, Chalfont and Watford. We also welcome patients from across the UK as well as abroad. When you go private, you can choose which hospital and which consultant are the best fit for you. 

Problems can occur in the toe, forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot or ankle. Common reasons people come to us for help include: 

Toe & forefoot problems:

• In-growing toenails 
• Toe deformities 
• Big toe pain 
• Forefoot pain 
• Bunions – bony lumps on the side of the feet 
• Bursitis 
• Morton’s Neuroma – results from irritation or damage to a nerve in your foot 

Midfoot & hindfoot problems: 

• Midfoot pain 
• Plantar fasciitis – characterized by pain in your heel  
• Achilles tendonitis – pain along the back of the heel, caused by overuse 
• Flat feet (“fallen arches”) 
• Foot drop – Secondary to nerve injury/disease 
• High arch foot pain 
• Tendon disorders 

Ankle problems: 

• Ankle sprains 
• Ankle pain 
• Stiffness in the ankle 
• Ankle instability 
• Posterior ankle impingement 

Osteoarthritis can occur in a foot or ankle, with damage to the joint surfaces causing stiffness and pain in the joint. Given the large number of bones, joints and joint surfaces contained with the foot and ankle, osteoarthritis can have a big impact on function and mobility. Severe arthritis in the ankle may lead to the joint seizing up. 

If you have diabetes, you are unfortunately at greater risk developing a foot problem. The diabetes may reduce the blood supply to your foot, causing loss of feeling in it. This is known as peripheral neuropathy.

Whether you have damaged your ankle during a game of rugby or by stepping off a kerb at the wrong angle, or you have noticed your ankle is becoming noticeably stiff, it is often sensible to get medical assessment for an accurate diagnosis and sensible treatment plan.  

When you first meet with your consultant, they will take your medical history and ask you to describe your symptoms. They may ask you questions like: 

• What symptoms do you have? 
• When did they start? 
• Was there an obvious cause (for example, did you twist your ankle while playing football)? 
• Do you have any pain? 
• Have you received any treatment already, such as prescribed medication or physiotherapy? 
• Have your symptoms been getting worse? 

They will carry out a physical examination of your foot and ankle to help them determine how much strength and joint movement you currently have. They may ask you to stand on both legs and then on one leg at a time.  

This may be all that is needed to confirm a diagnosis, but further investigations may be arranged. On-site imaging facilities include X-ray, MRI and ultrasound, so these can be easily arranged for you if required.  

Once the results of any tests are back and a diagnosis has been made, your consultant will meet with you to discuss suitable treatment options with you. 

Many foot and ankle conditions can be treated without the need for surgery. Others will require some form of surgery to successfully relieve symptoms and restore function.  

Non-surgical treatments include: 

• Weight-bearing with support and (like crutches)  
• Pain relief medication 
• Physiotherapy 
• Bracing or splinting of the foot or ankle 
• Custom orthotics 
• Joint injection  

Where surgery is required, keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) can often be used. This minimally invasive surgery means less pain and bleeding, reduced scarring and often a faster recovery.   

Surgical options available at Bishops Wood Hospital include: 

• Tendon transfer surgery – for correcting painful flat feet  
• Foot reconstruction surgery – for high arches  
• Ankle fusion surgery 
• Ankle replacement surgery  
• Cartilage regeneration surgery 
• Bunion surgery 

Treatment will always be tailored to your specific requirements and what would be best for you. Your consultant will always discuss the treatment they recommend and answer any questions or concerns you may have. They will explain the benefits you should expect to see as a result of the recommended treatment as well as potential risks or complications, so that you have the information you need to make an informed treatment choice. 

Many of our patients are referred by their GP, physiotherapist or private medical insurance provider. Others self-refer, often following a recommendation by a friend or family member. 

With easy access to the hospital, we have people across South East England visit us for treatment. 

When you choose Bishops Wood, you will benefit from: 

• Rapid access to an expert – With a number of experienced foot and ankle surgeons, we can quickly and easily book you an appointment. Earlier assessment and diagnosis means you will receive treatment sooner. 
• Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 94.1% of people we’d treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend Bishops Wood Hospital to their friends and family. We continue to focus on providing the highest level of care and support at all times for anyone who comes to us for help with a foot or ankle condition. 
• Consultant-led care – You will see the same consultant for each visit, so you will never have to worry about seeing a more junior doctor. Your consultant will oversee every aspect of your care, from initial appointment through to treatment planning, treatment and post-treatment follow-up.  
• Remote Consultation – Consultations are routinely carried out in person at Bishops Wood Hospital, but we can also offer remote consultations via telephone or online video call where required. 
• Multidisciplinary team: Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and radiologists. Fast, simple access to any member of the multidisciplinary team ensures you will always see the most appropriate person for your needs.  

If you have any concerns about your foot or ankle, whether painful bunions, a nasty ankle injury or severe arthritis in the ankle, we can help. For peace of mind and expert care sooner, why not book your appointment today?  

We very much look forward to welcoming you to Bishops Wood Hospital and helping to get you back to better mobility in your foot and ankle as soon as possible.