Mr Gavin Bowyer (Mosaic Orthopaedic Care) offers a foot and ankle clinic at Spire Southampton Hospital specialising in:
Common Symptoms
Adults with foot and ankle problems often present to the GP complaining of pain and impaired function including difficulties with work, social and domestic activities. The dozen most common conditions are:
- ankle fracture
- ankle sprain
- ankle arthritis, or pain in the ankle on activity
- Achilles tendon pain
- Achilles tendon rupture
- painful flat foot
- pain in the heel and sole of the foot - plantar fasciitis
- pain or stiffness around the big toe
- bunions
- pain under the ball of the foot - metatarsalgia
- painful toes, with clawing or deformity of the toes
- ingrowing or overgrowing toenails
There are, of course, other ways that the feet and ankles can cause problems. With appropriate examination, and modern investigations such as MRI or Ultrasound scans, the vast majority can be diagnosed and the treatment options can then be discussed.
Common Treatments
Mr Bowyer understands that not everyone wants or needs surgery, but everyone deserves a treatment regime that will optimise their return to the activities that the wish to undertake. Co-operation between the surgeon, physiotherapist, podiatrist and footwear specialist is essential. This co-operative approach, and appropriate involvement and information for the patient, has always been key in Mr Bowyer’s approach to the management of foot and ankle problems. If surgery is necessary, the latest techniques are used, with a specialist anaesthetist, to allow rapid mobilisation. The close involvement of the physiotherapy and podiatry team encourages a return to function.
Treatment options include:
- Physiotherapy and sports massage
- Coaching and training adjustments
- Podiatric assessment and insoles or footwear modification
- Advice on sports footwear
- Injections, which may be performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance
- Foot and ankle surgery