Foot or ankle pain? Well, not to worry - it’s surprisingly common. Given that foot or ankle pain can stem from a huge variety of different causes, it can be overwhelming deciding how best to go about getting treatment for it. One recommended avenue to get the appropriate treatment quickly is to consult an orthopaedic surgeon.

What do orthopaedic surgeons do?

Orthopaedic surgeons, also known as orthopaedic doctors, focus on treating patients for musculoskeletal issues. The musculoskeletal system encompasses bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Their primary role is to diagnose and treat conditions related to this system, ranging from injuries like fractures and sprains to chronic diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. 

They employ a variety of treatments, including surgical and non-surgical methods, to help patients regain mobility and reduce pain. For instance, they may perform joint replacement surgeries, repair torn ligaments, or prescribe physical therapy. 

Diagnosis and treatment

• Orthopaedic surgeons diagnose and treat a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Whether it’s a bone fracture, muscle strain, or joint pain, they’re the experts who step in to alleviate discomfort.

• Their expertise extends to both surgical and nonsurgical approaches. While surgery is their forte, they often explore conservative treatments first.

Rehabilitation and recovery

• After injuries or surgeries, orthopaedic surgeons guide patients through rehabilitation. This process aims to restore movement, strength, flexibility, and range of motion, to as close of a level as previously.

• When you’re recovering from a sports injury or a joint replacement, orthopaedic surgeons will create personalised rehabilitation plans.

Preventive strategies

• Orthopaedic surgeons will also try to formulate strategies to prevent future injuries and to halt the progression of chronic conditions like arthritis.

• Their advice encompasses many things such as lifestyle modifications or exercise routines.

Subspecialties in orthopaedics

While orthopaedic surgeons possess comprehensive knowledge of the entire musculoskeletal system, some choose to specialise further, and for specific issues it is often better to visit one of these specialists. Here are a few subspecialty areas:

1. Spine Orthopaedics:

   • Experts in spinal health, they address conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis.

2. Hip and Knee Orthopaedics:

   • These specialists focus on hip and knee joint issues, including joint replacements and arthritis management.

3. Hand Orthopaedics:

   • Hand surgeons deal with intricate hand and wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and fractures.

4. Shoulder and Elbow Orthopaedics:

   • Shoulder and elbow specialists tackle issues like rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, and dislocations.

5. Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics:

   • Our specialty! Below we list some general foot or ankle related issues you should come see us for.

Our foot and ankle treatments in London

Foot and ankle pain can arise from various causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions, or more simply, from general wear and tear.

Mr Francesc Malagelada is a leading consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon based in London. He treats foot and ankle disorders, using non-surgical and surgical treatments that best suit each patient and their lifestyle. 

When appropriate, he performs arthroscopy (keyhole) or minimally-invasive surgery using the latest techniques that provide faster recovery and almost unnoticeable scars. Mr Malagelada’s research into the field of minimally-invasive surgery resulted in a PhD with a ‘cum laude’ distinction.

Below are what Mr Malagelada specialises in:

• Sports Injuries: specialising in treating injuries related to sports activities, ensuring athletes can return to their sport with optimal function.

• Fractures: an expert in managing bone fractures, providing both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for recovery.

• Arthritis: offering comprehensive care for arthritis, including joint replacements and other treatments to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility.

• Bunions: utilising the latest minimally-invasive surgical techniques to correct bunions, leading to faster recovery and minimal scarring.

Should you suspect you have any of these conditions, or have general foot and ankle pain, then click here to request an appointment now.