“You can’t understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”
The above indigenous proverb is known the world over as a treaty to be more understanding towards each other. And if you’re in need of someone to help with your persistent foot pain, you’re in luck! Book in for a private consultation with a foot surgeon near you with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group? In just a matter of weeks, you could have the answers you need to get back on your feet. To mark National Feet Week, this article explores common foot conditions, the benefits of seeing a consultant, and we introduce you to our own specialists.
Private foot and ankle surgery at a glance
Waiting time: 4-6 weeks
Cost: £240 – £7,699
Ways to pay: self-pay or insured
Procedure time: 1-3 hours (depending on treatment)
Foot surgeons are surgical specialists from the podiatric branch of orthopaedics. Or, in plain English, they specialise in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the feet. In more severe cases, a consultant may recommend foot and ankle surgery depending on the type of condition the patient has.
Common foot conditions that may require surgery
Not all foot conditions require surgery. People that suffer from the sporting injury plantar fasciitis, for example, typically won’t need surgical intervention. However, in more severe cases, surgery is not only recommended but required.
At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, we provide surgery for the following foot conditions:
As with other types of treatment in the UK, the main differences between seeking healthcare with the NHS and privately are:
price
waiting time
consultant availability.
As you may expect, the current waiting times to see a consultant with the NHS are longer than those seeking private treatment. According to the My Planned Care site, at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, patients can expect to wait 20 weeks for a consultation and then another 24 weeks for their treatment. In the North-west, the waiting time for orthopaedics at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is 42 weeks (21 for consultation, 21 for treatment).
(Practice Plus Group is not responsible for and does not control the content displayed on external websites.)
At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you can expect a maximum wait of just two weeks for your consultation. Your treatment will take place between four and six weeks following your consultation.
The benefits of seeing a private foot consultant
Alongside the shorter waiting times, another major benefit of private healthcare is the flexibility around choosing a consultant and when to have your treatment. Unlike treatment with the NHS, private healthcare allows you to choose which foot and ankle consultant you want to carry out your surgery. You’ll also be able to schedule your surgery at a time and date that suits you.
How to find top foot and ankle surgeons in the UK
If you live in the UK and are experiencing foot and ankle problems, you’re in luck. Boasting a range of orthopaedic consultants, it isn’t hard to choose the right surgeon for you. However, that isn’t to say you shouldn’t do your research beforehand.
Alongside this, you should do your own research paying special attention to a consultant’s qualifications, reputation, special techniques, experience level, and whether they have any patient reviews.
It’s also worth keeping an open mind with regards to NHS and private treatment. Regardless of whether you have your heart set on one specific healthcare route, checking out what your experience might look like on the other path could prove extremely valuable.
Consult private foot specialists near you
Booking an initial consultation with one of our foot and ankle specialists is easy.
Your consultation will involve a pre-operative assessment of your general health and specific condition. Once you’ve been diagnosed, your foot and ankle specialist will devise a treatment plan specific to your needs and requirements. Feel free to ask as many questions about the procedure as you like; it’s all about getting yourself prepared for your upcoming treatment.
So, if you think you need foot and ankle surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Consultant spotlight – Zsolt Hegedus
Title: Consultant orthopaedic surgeon
Biography: After graduating Semmelweis Medical University in 1994, Mr Hegedus completed his orthopaedics speciality training five years later. He has over 20 years’ experience working as an consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
Specialisms: primary hip and knee replacement, knee arthroscopy, hand and forefoot surgeries.
Quote: “The best part of my job is being involved in patient care.”
Best foot surgeon in London
If you suspect you need foot and ankle surgery and live in London, we have a range of specialist consultants. Our consultants are located at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.
Is foot and ankle pain affecting your quality of life? If you live in the Birmingham area and want fast access to foot and ankle consultants near you, Practice Plus Group has got you covered. Use the arrows on the carousel below to find the foot and ankle specialist for you.
Has foot pain got you hobbled? If you live in the Bristol area and want access to some of the best foot and ankle consultants near you, look no further than Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group. Use the arrows on the carousel below to find the foot and ankle specialist for you.
According to MyTribe Insurance, the average cost of a private orthopaedic consultation in the UK is £183.26.3
At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, the cost to see a consultant is £95, regardless of the type of treatment you need. This includes any diagnostic tests needed (excluding MRI scans) and a physical examination.
Our prices for private foot and ankle surgery differ depending on the specific treatment needed. For example, claw toe surgery costs £7,699 while bunion removal surgery costs £4,599. Our pricing page contains a detailed list of all our prices for private surgery.
This article was completed with the help of Zsolt Hegedus. After graduating Semmelweis Medical University in 1994, Mr Hegedus completed his orthopaedics speciality training five years later. He has over 20 years’ experience working as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
Not yet found the information you’re looking for? Our dedicated FAQs may be able to help!
What type of doctor is best for foot surgery?
This depends on the type of treatment you need. Consultant orthopaedic surgeons and podiatric surgeons are typically the best doctors to diagnose and treat foot issues that require surgery.
What is a foot surgeon called?
A foot surgeon can also be referred to as a podiatric surgeon. This is a medical professional who specialises in foot surgery.
Podiatrist vs foot surgeon – what’s the difference?
While there is some overlap in the treatments offered, generally, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in foot and ankle surgery will perform more complex surgical procedures. Whereas a podiatrist treats sprains and strains.
What does a foot specialist do?
A foot specialist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
What is the most common foot surgery?
According to the NHS, one of the most common foot surgeries in the UK is bunion removal surgery. At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, bunion removal surgery costs £4,599.
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