Many people now take a weight-loss or diabetes injection such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro, and two questions come up in clinic: will it help my foot, and do I need to stop it before my operation? The first studies looking at the foot and ankle, published in 2025 and 2026, are largely reassuring –...
Category: Foot Surgery
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When Can I Drive After Foot and Ankle Surgery?
There is no set number of weeks in UK law before you can drive after foot or ankle surgery. What matters is whether you can control the car and do an emergency stop as quickly as normal. Braking studies show that after surgery on the right foot, most people can brake safely by 6 to...
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Fixing Lisfranc injuries – screws or tightropes?
When a Lisfranc injury in the middle of the foot needs surgery, the bones can be held in place with metal screws and plates, or with a TightRope – a strong braided cord with a small button at each end that works more like the original ligament. For injuries that affect only the ligament, current...
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Pain Relief After Foot and Ankle Surgery: Is it going to really hurt?
Worry about pain is one of the most common reasons people put off foot and ankle surgery. Pain relief has changed a great deal, and for most operations a nerve block keeps the foot numb for around 24 to 36 hours — covering the period when pain would normally be at its worst. This guide...
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Hammer Toes and Claw Toes: Why They Happen and What Can Be Done
A bent toe is rarely the whole problem — it's often a sign of a bunion, a torn ligament under the joint, or a tight calf pulling more weight onto the front of the foot. This article explains the difference between hammer, claw and crossover toes, when non-surgical treatment is enough, and what the evidence actually says about wires versus the newer internal implants.
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Flat Feet: When Do They Actually Need Treating?
Most flat feet need no treatment at all — a low arch you’ve always had is simply a foot shape, not a disease. But when an arch that used to be there starts to flatten, usually on one side and usually in midlife, that’s a different, progressive condition, and one that responds far better to...
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What Will I Be Able to Do After My Ankle Replacement?
What can you do after an ankle replacement? By Mr Matthew Welck, Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon at RNOH London. Recovery timeline, return to sport, everyday activities and specialist advice.
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How Long Will My Ankle Replacement Last?
How long will your ankle replacement last? By Mr Matthew Welck, Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon at RNOH London. UK National Joint Registry data, survival rates, and what you can do to help your implant last.
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Ankle Replacement vs Ankle Fusion in London: Which Is Right for You?
A comprehensive guide by Mr Matthew Welck — Leading London ankle replacement surgeon at RNOH. If you have been told you need ankle surgery for severe arthritis, compare ankle replacement vs ankle fusion: who is suitable, recovery, risks, and outcomes.
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Looking for a Top Foot & Ankle Surgeon in London? What to Check
Looking for a top foot and ankle surgeon in London or North London? There is no official ranking of surgeons, and lists of the “best” are usually marketing. A better approach is to check a few objective things: specialist training, an NHS tertiary role, published outcomes and experience in your specific condition. This guide explains...