Our Process
Our aim at Premier Podiatry is to determine a diagnosis and
treatment plan to resolve your problem and allow you to return to
normal activity as quickly and as easily as possible. In order to
achieve this we take a structured approach to your assessment and
review.
New patient
assessment
At your first consultation, a detailed history of your problem,
medical history and personal circumstances will be taken. A
detailed examination of your feet and legs will be made to
determine the nature of your problem and possible contributing
factors. This will also include assessment of your shoe style and
fit.
This information is used to provide a diagnosis and detailed
treatment plan. The condition and treatment options will be
explained in detail and any investigations required to help with
diagnosis discussed. You will have the opportunity to ask questions
and the implications and complications of any potential surgery
will be discussed and appropriate information sheets provided.
Where necessary a referral to another specialist and a suitable
review period will be recommended.
Investigations
The foot is a uniquely complex structure and some problems can
be quite difficult to diagnose as there may be more than one
possible cause. Where necessary appropriate investigations will be
requested which include x-rays, bone scans, MRI and CT scan's,
ultrasound scans, blood tests and nerve studies.
Conservative
treatment
The majority of foot problems can be managed conservatively and
a range of treatment options are available. These can be viewed at
our Advice
Centre.
Review
A review appointment will be necessary to assess your progress
or the results of any investigations. Some patients require more
than one review appointment but this will be discussed and will
depend upon the nature of your condition and treatment plan.
Patients requiring surgery will undergo a preoperative
examination, including the detailed medical history questionnaire
to assess their suitability for surgery. The nature of the surgery
and your understanding will be discussed and the appropriate
informed consent obtained. You will be provided with a copy of the
consent form.
Surgery
Currently, Mr Prior operates at Holly House and BUPA Roding hospitals. The date of
surgery will be arranged at your convenience.
Anaesthetic
The majority of foot procedures can be performed under local
anaesthetic. However, some patients prefer either sedation or
general anaesthetic and this can be arranged. This will be
discussed with you prior to your operation.
Recovery
The majority of foot surgery can be performed on a day care
basis. This means that you will be admitted to the hospital for one
day and allowed to go home once you have recovered adequately from
your operation. However, you will require appropriate home support
as you will need to rest your foot following the operation. The
length of time required will vary depending on the operation. When
necessary, patients are admitted for longer periods but again, this
will be discussed preoperatively. You will be given emergency
contact numbers should they be required and it is our policy to
contact patients the day after surgery.
Post-operative
review
Generally, most patients are reviewed at one week post
operatively to ensure healing is progressing as planned. Stitches
(sutures) are removed at two weeks postoperatively. A further
review is undertaken at six to eight weeks postoperatively to
ensure you are progressing appropriately with a final review at six
months. However, further reviews are undertaken should you be
having any difficulty or require further advice.