- What is a Podiatrist/Podiatric Surgeon?
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional dedicated to the treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists complete an honours degree in Podiatry prior to entering into practice. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
Podiatric surgeons are podiatrists who have undertaken specialist training in foot and ankle surgery. They typically treat bone, joint and soft tissue disorders. The minimum training period for UK podiatric surgeons is 11 years and includes undergraduate education, clinical practice, postgraduate education, examined surgical training and supervised surgical practice. Podiatric surgeons are independent clinicians in the field of foot surgery and are not medical doctors. They are well established within the NHS and some also work in private practice.
- How can I pay for my treatment?
You can pay for your treatment through private medical health insurance. Self-paying options are also available.
Mr McCallum is registered with all major medical health insurance companies. If you are paying through private medical insurance, you should check with your provider that your treatment is covered. You will need to provide your insurance authorisation code for your first consultation. Foot Surgery London will bill the insurance company directly for the costs of your consultation/treatment.
- Do I need to have an operation?
There are certain conditions affecting the foot and ankle that cannot be corrected without surgery. That being said, non-surgical means can be used to great affect for many conditions to provide a significant reduction in symptoms and Mr McCallum will always consider non-surgical treatment options before considering surgery. The method of treatment that we ultimately agree upon will largely be based upon how you wish to be treated.
- I have heard that you should never have foot surgery. Is this true?
Foot surgery has a generally poor reputation. This is primarily because historically, it may have been preformed by surgeons who had limited experience in treating foot conditions and also because of poorly designed procedures.
Podiatric surgeons have an thorough knowledge of foot mechanics and function and as such, the procedures performed now are associated with significantly fewer complications than before.
- Who should perform my foot surgery?
Your foot surgery should be performed by a surgeon with extensive experience in treating foot conditions. It is perfectly appropriate to ask any clinician about their experience in treating conditions such as yours.
- Do I have to stay overnight after my operation?
No. The vast majority of surgeries are performed on a day case basis. Under exceptional circumstances, you may be kept in overnight if you require monitoring.
- Will I be awake or asleep during my surgery?
The vast majority of patients are asleep for their operation i.e. they are given sedation or general anaesthesia. Mr McCallum can perform most surgeries under local anaesthesia and he will discuss the options with you during your consultation.
- Can I eat before my operation?
If you are having your surgery under general anaesthesia or sedation, you must not eat or drink anything for at least 4-hours prior to the surgery.
- Will I have much pain after my operation?
Immediately after the surgery, you should have no pain at all. Whenever you are asleep, Mr McCallum will administer a local anaesthetic block to your foot so that the foot is numb and pain free whenever you waken.
You will be prescribed painkillers before you leave the hospital and instructions will be given regarding the use of these.
In Mr McCallum’s practice, a surprising number of patients report relatively little pain following their foot operation and some have none at all!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mr McCallum.