When you come to The Princess Margaret for your initial consultation, your consultant will first take a detailed medical history, and ask you to describe your symptoms. They will likely ask you:
- What symptoms have you been experiencing?
- How long have these symptoms lasted?
- Have they become progressively worse over time?
- What type of pain is it? Pain when moving, or nerve pain?
- Have you tried any treatments previously?
- Are you currently taking any medication?
Seeing our consultants privately brings the benefit of longer consultations, usually around 30 minutes, allowing for much greater detail and a chance to get to know you and how your condition has been affecting you.
A clinical examination will then be performed, manipulating the foot or ankle joint and pressing along the foot to assess your responses. They may also ask you to perform some simple tasks and movements to demonstrate your symptoms.
X-rays may then be arranged in our on-site Imaging department, and this is normally enough to make a full diagnosis. If necessary, further scans such as an MRI, CT or ultrasound can be organised. You will then have a follow-up consultation, where your treatment options will be outlined, and together you can decide how best to proceed, whether that be surgery or conservative treatment.
Lifestyle and activity modifications can be a great help to many patients, and something as simple as finding the most appropriate footwear can dramatically aid many conditions. Your consultant can offer advice on better foot support, padding, weight loss, exercise, and posture if they believe this will be beneficial to you. This holistic approach helps give you greater reassurance, ensuring all your risk factors are addressed.