Foot & Ankle Surgery

James has experience with forefoot surgery and ankle surgery.

Commonly treated foot and ankle conditions include:

• Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

• Hallux Rigidus

• Ankle Instability

Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

A bunion is a painful bony bump that forms on the inner side of the foot at the big toe joint. Bunions develop slowly over time, as the big toe gets pushed out of position. As the deformity increases, it can become painful to wear shoes - particularly those with a narrow toe box.

In most cases, wearing a shoe with a wider toe box, and some padding over the bunion is all that is required for treatment.

In the case of severe bunions that are unresponsive to non-surgical treatment, surgery may be offered. The most commonly performed surgery is an osteotomy. This is where the bones are cut and realigned to correct the deformity.

Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus is the name given to osteoarthritis of the big toe. This condition results in a stiff painful joint of the big toe. Initial non operative management includes pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. Use of stiff soled shoes can also be helpful.

Surgical treatment can be offered in severe cases. This can either be by removal of bone spurs (cheilectomy), or by fusion of the joint (arthrodesis)

Ankle Instability

Ankle sprains are very common. In most cases the treatment of these involves an initial phase of swelling reduction, followed by range-of-motion and strengthening exercises - aided by a physiotherapist.

In a small percentage of cases, patients have ongoing instability of their ankle. In these cases a surgical stabilisation procedure may be warranted.