YOUR LOCAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS
Helping you stay comfortable and mobile.
Sometimes, surgery is the best (or only) solution for painful foot issues. Take a look at the foot conditions we cover, and how we can support you with precise surgical treatment.
BUNION SURGERY
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OVERVIEW
Bunions are common condition and can take two forms — first toe bunions (also called a classic bunion or Hallux Abducto Valgus) and fifth toe bunions (also called a tailer’s bunions or bunionette). A first toe bunion affects the first toe (or big toe), while a fifth toe bunions effects the last (of pinky toe).
Both can occur at all stages of life, often causing pain and discomfort through a bump that develops on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe, or the outside of the foot at the base of the fifth toe.This bump is caused by a change in the alignment of bones in the toe.
Treatment should be considered if you are experiencing discomfort in everyday shoes, a loss of function or restriction in activities, or you have regular pain.
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SURGERY
Bunions can be treated conservatively to improve comfort and function (often this is enough for people to live as normal), but surgery is required for a permanent solution.
When this is the case, Dr Studdert will determine the best procedure through a careful examination of your foot. Generally, surgery will involve an incision and surgical fracture (cut) to one or more bones in your foot, allowing the bones to be manipulated and realigned. The cuts are then fixated with screws or other fixation devices including surgical plates or wire.
Most procedures take between 20 minutes and an hour to perform. Anaesthetic injections are used to numb your foot locally in all cases, but an anaesthetist will also provide either a general anaesthetic or IV sedation.
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CARE & RECOVERY
Usually, bunion surgery is a day procedure allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe.
Sometimes, people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day.
Pain relief after surgery usually involves a combination of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but significant pain relief is often unnecessary. Paracetamol is usually all that is required within the first week.
Bony healing usually occurs six to eight weeks after the surgery. During this time, restricted activities (including time off work) is recommended. Dressings are removed and replaced at one week, giving you an opportunity to see your progress and discuss it with Dr Studdert. At two weeks, sutures are usually removed. The process of healing after surgery is important and requires ongoing attention from your surgeon. A podiatric range of motion exercise and stretching rehabilitation program begins immediately to ensure function is returned to your foot and toe as soon as possible.
Hallux rigidus surgery
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OVERVIEW
Hallux rigidus is also known as frozen toe or arthritic toe. Like the names suggest, it’s a condition characterised by stiffness and loss of motion in the first toe (or big toe). It’s actually a form of osteoarthritis that manifests as changes in the large joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsal phalangeal joint), and can include bony spurring and even loose bodies that impede joint movement and erode cartilage.
Frozen toe can run in families, often presents in both feet, and is more common in females. It regularly occurs in people over 50 with flatter feet and tightness in their calves causing limited ankle movement. Significant pain can be associated with the limited movement of the big toe, but the limitation can also simply affect function in everyday and sporting activities.
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SURGERY
Hallux rigidus can be treated conservatively (we always attempt this first), but may require surgical correction. While conservative treatment may be enough for some patients to live comfortably, it does not reverse changes in the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. In moderate to severe cases of hallux rigidus, surgical intervention is needed to address the structural damage that occurs here.
There are a few different options including surgical remodeling, synthetic join implants, and joint fusion. Dr Studdert will assess your condition to determine the best surgical technique for your foot. Whatever the pathway, the key result is reduction or resolution of pain and a healthy return to normal activities and footwear.
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CARE & RECOVERY
The recovery period for each procedure is different, but each is performed as a day surgery allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe.
Sometimes people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day.
Dr Studdert will discuss the specifics post-surgery care and recovery requirements for you in detail before your surgery.
FLAT FOOT SURGERY
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OVERVIEW
Flat foot is very common and caused by a collapsed arch. Most people only see minor effects and have this corrected in their early years with orthotics. However, sometimes a flat foot can limit activities, cause pain, and impact on quality of life. Issues associated with flat feet can manifest at any stage of life and usually involve the heel, big toe joint, or arch. If left untreated, a flat foot may lead to other ailments, such as bunions or tendon injury.
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SURGERY
Often, conservative treatment is all that is needed to alleviate flat foot symptoms. However, sometimes surgery is required if there is significant pain due to pain in your heel or arch that is interfering with daily activities.
The most common form of flat foot surgery involves the insertion of a HyProCure® implant into the ankle. This is a minimal invasive surgery procedure and involves only a small incision on the outside of the ankle. Once the device is in place, it acts as a doorstop, reducing the excessive range of motion that often causes the foot to fall inwards and “flatten”. While the device can be removed if necessary, it is designed to be left in place permanent and provide long term arch correction and symptom relief.
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CARE & RECOVERY
A HyProCure® procedure is usually a day procedure, allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe. Sometimes, people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day.
The procedure does not involve any drilling, screwing or cutting of bone or significant injury to tissue, allowing you to return to normal activity with minimal down time — usually within four weeks.
When necessary, pain relief involves a combination of painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Paracetamol is generally all that is required within the first week.
Depending on work or schooling requirements, time away from commitments is recommended for two or three weeks. Dressings are removed and replaced at one week, giving you an opportunity to see your progress and discuss it with Dr Studdert. Sutures are removed at two weeks. The process of healing after surgery is important and requires ongoing attention from your surgeon, which Dr Studdert will discuss with you.
Hammer toe, claw toe & mallet toe surgery
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OVERVIEW
There are many variations of lesser toe (toes two – five) contracture, including hammer toe, claw toe and mallet toe. These can affect all toes except the first toe. Each involves bending into a fixed or flexible condition, often causing the joints or the “toe knuckles” to elevate awkwardly. Sometimes, the knuckles rub against footwear and develop painful pseudo-corns and blisters. There can be a family history of trouble with lesser toes and females are more often affected.
Instability in the large joints at the base of your toes (metatarsal-phalangeal joints) is usually the cause of lesser toe contracture. Often the muscles, tendons and joint surfaces are misaligned, causing the position of the toe to change over time. Toes tend to deviate upwards but can also shift from side to side and become problematic for neighbouring toes. Rigid positions generally develop after a long period of flexible changes to a toe or secondary to other arthritic developments in the foot.
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SURGERY
Lesser toe contracture can occur concurrently with other foot problems (such as a second toe to contract when a bunion is present). In these cases, hammer toe correction may be undertaken at the same time as another forefoot procedure.
Lesser toe contracture can be treated conservatively (we always attempt this first) or with surgical correction. Where surgery is the option, there are several techniques available, including tendon cuts, joint implants, and removal of joints. Treatments differ for rigid and flexible positions, so expert examination is important in determining how best to treat a particular toe, so Dr Studdert will determine which is most appropriate for you.
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CARE & RECOVERY
Usually, lesser toe surgery is a day procedure, allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe.
Sometimes people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day.
Pain relief after surgery involves a combination of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but significant pain relief is often unnecessary. Paracetamol is usually all that is required within the first week.
If there has been a surgical cut to the bone, healing usually occurs within eight weeks after the surgery and during this time restricted activities, including time off work, is recommended. For soft tissue only procedures, recovery is faster. Dressings are removed and replaced at one week, giving you an opportunity to see your progress and discuss it with Dr Studdert. Sutures are usually removed at two weeks. The process of healing after surgery is important and requires ongoing attention from your surgeon, which Dr Studdert will discuss with you.
HEEL PAIN
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OVERVIEW
Heel pain is a broad term used to describe pain and discomfort in the bottom of the heel when engaging with weight bearing activities. It’s a complex condition that can be caused by bony prominences, soft tissue injury, or even nerve entrapment. Heel pain has a negative impact on both foot and general health on almost all Australians, regardless of age, sex, or body shape.
A specific structure that is often implicated in heel pain is the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that stretches from the base of the heel to the bottom of the forefoot. This structure can become injured, tight, or torn, and the inflammation that accumulates as a result causes pain.
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SURGERY
Depending on the cause, heel pain can be treated conservatively or with surgical intervention, but all procedures aim to reduce pain and increase function. It is important to consider conservative treatment before pursuing surgical options, because often conservative treatment can significantly alleviate symptoms and in some cases, resolve the condition.
Surgery for heel pain generally falls into two categories, but a combination of the two procedures is common:
- A partial or complete fasciotomy (a surgical cut and release of the plantar fascia to reduce tension).
- Heel spur resection.
Both procedures can be performed as a minimally invasive surgery, limiting the skin incision and subsequent scaring to as little as possible. The fasciotomy involves a surgical cut to the plantar fascia, which is often taut and inflamed. Alternatively, the heel spur resection involves shaving the heel bone down to reduce or remove the spur and relieve any associated pressure on the surrounding soft tissue. More uncommonly, a plantar fascia may be torn. In these cases, surgical repair of the fascia may be required.
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CARE & RECOVERY
Heel pain surgery is usually a day procedure allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe.
Sometimes, people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day. Generally, pain relief after surgery involves a combination of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but significant medication is often unnecessary. Paracetamol is usually all that is required within the first week.
Healing usually within three weeks of surgery.
During this time restricted activities, including time off work, is recommended. Dressings are removed and replaced at one week, giving you an opportunity to see your progress and discuss it with Dr Studdert. Sutures are usually removed at two weeks. The process of healing after surgery is important and requires ongoing attention from your surgeon. A podiatric range of motion exercise and stretching rehabilitation program begins immediately to ensure function is returned to the foot and your life as soon as possible.
Soft tissue lesions & skin lesions
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OVERVIEW
Soft tissue lesions are tissue growths that lead to protrusions or bulges on or within the foot. They can be painful and usually develop slowly, over several months. Lesions can be caused by soft tissue swelling, sacs of fluid, fatty tissue and nerve, vessel or muscle enlargements.
A common example is a ganglion cyst — a sac of tissue that is filled with fluid. Ganglions can be large and appear as palpable bumps that are firm, but movable, often on the top of the foot. Similar lumps on the skin can be caused by various other types of lesions. When lesions are deeper in the foot often pain is the main symptom and no protrusion is easily notable on the skin.
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SURGERY
Treatment can be conservative or surgical, and all procedures aim to reduce pain and increase function. If conservative measures are not able to alleviate your discomfort, surgical intervention should be considered.
The extent of a soft tissue lesion surgery depends on the location and nature of the lesion, but generally the procedure is a simple removal of the problematic tissue. The surgery will involve a cut and removal of tissue. In most cases, removed tissue is sent for histology testing to confirm the nature of the lesion. All surgical procedures have advantages and risks that Dr Studdert will discuss with you prior to your surgery. Most soft tissue procedures are quick and take between 10 and 20 minutes to perform. Anaesthetic injections are used to numb your foot locally in all cases, but an anaesthetist will also provide either a general anaesthetic or IV sedation.
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CARE & RECOVERY
Soft tissue lesion surgery is usually a day procedure allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe. Sometimes people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day. If the lesion is large and in a particularly problematic location, for example a lesion located within the calcaneus (heel) bone, then a period of non-weight bearing in a cast or CAM walker with crutches may be necessary.
Pain relief after surgery usually involves a combination of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but significant pain relief is often unnecessary. Paracetamol is usually all that is required within the first week.
Healing usually occurs two to four weeks after the surgery. During this time, restricted activities may be required depending on the location and type of soft tissue lesion. If bone is involved, an eight-week recovery period may be required. Dressings are removed after one week, giving you an opportunity to see your progress and discuss it with Dr Studdert.
Dressings are changed regularly and instructions will be given so you can change dressings at home, if possible. Sutures are usually removed at two weeks. The process of healing after surgery is important and requires ongoing attention from your surgeon. Dr Studdert will monitor your progress while you heal to ensure function is returned to the foot and your life as soon as possible.
PLANTAR WART SURGERY
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OVERVIEW
A wart is a viral infection that can occur primarily in the top layers of skin. The infection manifests as small growths or bumps on the skin that are painful to squeeze and interrupt skin lines. Often small black dots will also be visible in the raised area. Warts are common in school-aged children, adolescents and the elderly. They can be problematic and painful on the bottom the toes, forefoot or heel — they’re also contagious and able to spread from one area to another on an individual or between individuals in close contact.
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SURGERY
Sometimes verruca will resolve and given enough time the body’s immune system may be able to fight the infection. Other times, it may be treated conservatively or with surgery. The surgery is a straightforward procedure that removes the warty tissue directly, through simple excision. The base of the lesion is then debrided and sealed using either electrocautery or chemical agents.
Surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic, IV sedation, or general anaesthesia. In all cases a local anaesthetic regional block is used to numb your foot, this reduces pain during and after the procedure. Most procedures take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the number and size of the wart/s.
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CARE & RECOVERY
Surgery is usually a day procedure allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe. Occasionally people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day.
Generally, pain relief after surgery is not necessary, but a combination of painkillers and anti-inflammatories will be available if needed. Usually, paracetamol is all that is required.
Healing usually occurs two to four weeks after the surgery. During this time restricted activities may be required depending on the location of the warts. Dressings are removed after four days, giving you an opportunity to see your progress and discuss it with Dr Studdert. Dressings are changed regularly and instructions will be given so you can change dressings at home, if possible. Sutures are usually removed at two weeks, if used (but this is rare).
ingrown nail surgery
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OVERVIEW
An ingrown nail occurs when a toenail curves and penetrates the skin on the side of the nail.
It is a common foot problem and can be very painful. Once a nail has cut the side of the toe, the wound can be infected leading to further complications in healing and higher levels of pain. They mostly occur in the big toe, but any toe can be affected.
You might be at higher risk if you wear tight footwear, have excessive sweating, or have nail trauma.
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SURGERY
Treatment can be conservative or surgical with a range of options to address the various aspect of ingrown nails. Surgical correction of ingrown nail seeks to permanently alter the structure of the nail and prevent recurrence.
There are two main procedures that can be performed to address ingrown nails. Both involve a cut to your nail and toe to remove a portion of your nail and the destruction of a section of the nail matrix (the area of toe that the nail grows from) in order to cease nail growth in that area. In both cases your nail will be slightly thinner and therefore much less likely to become ingrown. The surgery takes 10 – 20 minutes to complete.
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CARE & RECOVERY
This is a day procedure allowing you to immediately weight bear on your foot in a stiff sole surgical shoe. Rarely, people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day.
Pain relief after surgery can involve combinations of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but the need for significant pain relief is infrequent. Paracetamol is usually all that is required.
Healing usually occurs two weeks aft
er the surgery. Restricted activities for three to four days, including time off work or school, may be required. Dressings are removed after four days, giving you an opportunity to see your progress and discuss it with Dr Studdert. Dressings are then changed regularly and instructions will be given so you can change dressings at home, if possible. If sutures are used, they are removed after one to two weeks. The process of healing after surgery is important and requires ongoing attention from Dr Studdert.
FOREFOOT PAIN
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OVERVIEW
Metatarsalgia (also called forefoot pain) is a condition in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You might develop it if you participate in sports activities that involve a lot of running and jumping. Foot deformities or shoes that are too tight or too loose can also be causes.
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SURGERY
Sometimes, conservative treatments are enough to manage forefoot paint. However, sometimes surgery is the only option.
Surgery consists of cutting the metatarsal bone (just behind the toe). The bone is cut all the way through, and then manually elevated and held in its new corrected position with a metal pin or screw. We may also cut out the painful callous on the bottom of the foot when we perform the metatarsal surgery.
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CARE & RECOVERY
This is a day procedure. Rarely, people stay overnight at a private hospital and return home the following day.
Pain relief after surgery can involve combinations of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but the need for significant pain relief is infrequent. Paracetamol is usually all that is required.
You may be placed in a cast, or required to use crutches for several weeks. If a pin is used to hold the bone in place, it is generally removed in three to four weeks. This can be done here at our surgery without anesthesia. While the pin is in place, you'll need to keep the foot dry to prevent infection.
Generally it takes a total of six to eight weeks for the bone to heal. During this period, the foot should be protected from excessive weight bearing — walking prematurely on the foot can cause the bone to shift and heal in an incorrect position. If this happens, we would need to reassess and rediagnose the new condition before moving forward with another treatment (usually, a second surgery).
The process of healing after surgery requires ongoing attention from Dr Studdert. You may also be advised to have stay home from work or school in the immediate days following surgery.
SPRAINS & SPORTS INJURY
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OVERVIEW
Ankle sprains and sports injuries not only cause immediate pain and problems, but can lead to long-term ailments if left untreated. If swelling and redness persists and you're unable to weightbear for more than 24 hours, a visit to Canberra Foot Surgery is recommended.
These injuries can often be treated without surgical intervention and we always explore this path first, but sometimes surgery is the only (or best) option.
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SURGERY
From the assessment of junior players to injury management for elite athletes, Canberra Foot Surgery is equipped with the latest technology to assess, diagnose, and treat sprains and other sports injuries.
Surgery for ankle sprains and sports injuries is almost always day surgery, with patients returing home the same day. In some cases, patients may need (or elect) to stay overnight in a private hospital. The exact surgical procedure depends on the type and severity of your injury, but this will be dicussed with you during your initial assessment.
As always, the goal is to treat and minimise pain, restore mobility, and get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
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CARE & RECOVERY
Pain relief after surgery can involve combinations of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but the need for significant pain relief is infrequent. Paracetamol is usually all that is required.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed. During the healing period, the foot should be protected from excessive weight bearing. You may be placed in a cast, or required to use crutches for several weeks. If a pin is used to hold the bone in place, it is generally removed in three to four weeks. This can be done here at our surgery without anesthesia. While the pin is in place, you'll need to keep the foot dry to prevent infection.
The process of healing after surgery requires ongoing attention from Dr Studdert. You may also be advised to have stay home from work or school in the immediate days following surgery.
FRACTURES & TRAUMATIC INJURY
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OVERVIEW
Foot, lower limb fractures and traumatic injuries not only cause immediate pain, but can lead to long-term ailments if left untreated or poorly managed. These types of injuries can be caused by caused by tripping over, dropping something on your foot, pressure over time, or even simply stubbing your toe.
A diagnosis will be made at an assessment where we can physically assess your foot and ask you questions about your pain, activity and footwear. Sometimes these types of injuries can be treated conservatively, other times, surgery is the only (or best) path.
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SURGERY
If we suspect you have a facture or traumatic injury, we'll refer you for an X-Ray so we can determine excatly what the issue is and what surgery will be required.
Surgery for fractures and traumatic injuries is almost always day surgery, with patients returing home the same day. In some cases, patients may need (or elect) to stay overnight in a private hospital. The exact surgical procedure depends on the type and severity of your injury, but this will be dicussed with you during your initial assessment.
As always, the goal is to treat and minimise pain, restore mobility, and get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
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CARE & RECOVERY
Pain relief after surgery can involve combinations of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but the need for significant pain relief is infrequent. Paracetamol is usually all that is required.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed. During the healing period, the foot should be protected from excessive weight bearing. You may be placed in a cast, or required to use crutches for several weeks. If a pin is used to hold the bone in place, it is generally removed in three to four weeks. This can be done here at our surgery without anesthesia. While the pin is in place, you'll need to keep the foot dry to prevent infection.
The process of healing after surgery requires ongoing attention from Dr Studdert. You may also be advised to have stay home from work or school in the immediate days following surgery.
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