Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare London, our orthopaedic foot and ankle service is built around delivering clarity, confidence, and personalised care. 

    As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, patients benefit from access to internationally experienced specialists, advanced diagnostics, and a collaborative approach to care designed to deliver the right answers without unnecessary delay.

    The foot and ankle are complex structures made up of bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments that support movement and balance. When problems occur, they can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. 

    Choosing the right specialist for foot and ankle concerns is essential to achieving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

    • Orthopaedic foot and ankle care is a specialist area of medicine focused on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.

      ​A leading orthopaedic foot specialist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare will assess a wide range of issues, including:

      • Acute injuries such as sprains and fractures
      • Chronic conditions, including tendon disorders and arthritis
      • Structural abnormalities affecting alignment and function

      These conditions may arise from:

      • Injury or trauma
      • Repetitive strain or overuse
      • Underlying medical conditions
      • Biomechanical factors affecting movement

      The foot and ankle contain 28 bones and more than 30 joints, meaning even minor problems can lead to:

      • Pain
      • Instability
      • Difficulty walking
      • Long-term issues

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare London, care is guided by a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together orthopaedic expertise with advanced imaging and rehabilitation specialists to ensure a complete and accurate understanding of each condition.

    • You may benefit from an assessment with an orthopaedic foot specialist if you experience:

      • Persistent foot or ankle pain
      • Swelling or stiffness in the joints
      • Difficulty walking or bearing weight
      • Instability or repeated ankle sprains
      • Heel pain or arch pain
      • Changes in foot shape or alignment
      • Reduced mobility or activity tolerance

      These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition affecting the bones, joints, or soft tissues of the foot and ankle.

      ​If left untreated, some conditions can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or long-term joint damage. 

      Our orthopaedic approach focuses on identifying the root cause of symptoms as early as possible, helping to avoid unnecessary treatments and supporting more effective, long-term results.

    • Orthopaedic foot and ankle conditions primarily involve the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and overall biomechanics of the foot and ankle. These conditions are typically grouped into structural, injury-related, and degenerative disorders.

      Structural and alignment-related conditions may include:

      • Adult acquired flatfoot deformity
      • Cavus foot (high arch deformity)
      • Hallux valgus (bunion deformity requiring surgical assessment)
      • Lesser toe deformities (e.g. hammertoe, claw toe) when symptomatic or rigid
      • Foot and ankle malalignment or instability

      Injuries and overuse conditions may include:

      • Ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability
      • Ligament injuries and tears
      • Tendon disorders (e.g. Achilles tendon rupture, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction)
      • Stress fractures and acute fractures of the foot and ankle
      • Cartilage injuries (osteochondral lesions)
      • Sports-related foot and ankle injuries

      Degenerative and joint conditions may include:

      • Osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle joints
      • Post-traumatic arthritis
      • Joint stiffness and loss of function following injury
      • Impingement syndromes of the ankle

      Mayo Clinic’s expert foot and ankle specialists treat a wide range of conditions affecting movement, stability, and function, particularly where structural correction or surgical intervention may be required.

      ​As many of these conditions present with similar symptoms such as pain, swelling, or instability, an accurate diagnosis is essential to guide appropriate treatment.

      ​With experience in both common and complex presentations, Mayo Clinic specialists are equipped to assess conditions that may not always be straightforward, ensuring patients receive clear, evidence-based recommendations.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, every orthopaedic foot and ankle consultation begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation. 

      This detailed approach reflects Mayo Clinic’s commitment to getting the diagnosis right the first time, combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic technology.

      ​Your experienced orthopaedic foot specialist at Mayo Clinic will take a detailed medical history report, assess your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. This typically includes evaluation of:

      • Gait and walking mechanics
      • Joint movement and range of motion
      • Alignment of the foot and ankles
      • Areas of tenderness, weakness, or instability

      Diagnostic investigations may include:

      • X-rays to assess bone structure, alignment, and joint changes
      • MRI scans to evaluate ligaments, tendons, and cartilage
      • Ultrasound imaging for dynamic tendon assessment
      • CT scans for detailed analysis of complex fractures or deformities

      These investigations are carefully selected based on your individual presentation, ensuring efficient, targeted assessment without unnecessary testing. Imaging is used to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment planning, particularly where surgical management is being considered.

    • Your appointment with one of our trusted orthopaedic foot and ankle specialists will be thorough and tailored to your individual condition.​

      Your consultation will include:

      • A detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history
      • A comprehensive physical examination of the foot and ankle
      • Assessment of movement, strength, and alignment
      • Review of any previous imaging or test results
      • Recommendations for further diagnostic testing if required

      Appointments at Mayo Clinic Healthcare are unhurried, allowing time to fully understand your condition and ensure you receive clear explanations at every stage. Our approach emphasises personalised evaluation and coordinated care planning.

      Where needed, your specialist may collaborate with colleagues across radiology, physiotherapy, and other disciplines, ensuring your care is fully coordinated and aligned with your individual goals.

    • We use a wide range of diagnostic procedures to ensure your condition is dealt with in the most appropriate way possible.

      Our team may run tests such as:

      • MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy
      • PET scans
      • Urodynamic studies that measure bladder function
      • Imaging and endoscopy
      • Laboratory and molecular diagnostics
      • Functional testing

      Results are most often available within several days of testing.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare London works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. 

    Self-pay options are also available, providing flexible access to our orthopaedic foot and ankle services.

    Book an orthopaedic foot and ankle consultation

    If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, our orthopaedic foot specialist team is here to help. We provide expert assessment, advanced diagnostics, and personalised care to identify the cause of your symptoms and support your recovery.

    Choosing Mayo Clinic Healthcare London means access to a globally respected standard of care, focused on delivering accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and the best outcomes for patients.

    Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to book your orthopaedic foot and ankle consultation at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London.