At The London Foot and Ankle Clinic we aim to deliver the best orthopaedic foot and ankle treatment. Please read some of our patient experiences to help you understand the service we provide.
28 October, 2015
"For the love of sport! Since my early thirties after playing football, tennis and badminton since as far back as I care to remember, I started to experience pain in my right ankle. I would play a game of football on a Sunday and limp for the next two or three days. I had always walked on the side of my foot and wore orthotics in my shoes from my late teens. Over time cartilage had worn down and I was experiencing wear and tear of the joint (Osteoarthritis). In 2006 I had my first operation (not under Mr Malik) to try and correct the imbalance at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital, Fibula and Tibia were broken and the leg straightened. This was moderately successful but could not stem the progression of the arthritis. I was now playing a waiting game I was in my late thirties and I thought if I could bide my time long enough there would be this wonderful new scientific breakthrough that could repair my ankle without fusion. I waited until 2014 (46 years old) when my father who had been under Mr Malik for his ankle problem suggested I go and see him, as the pain and my limp was getting worse. Wednesday 3rd December 2014 was my appointment with Mr Malik. D-day - what was he to make of my ankle? After the usual x-rays Mr Malik strongly advised me to have an ankle fusion. My thoughts - I was too young this is for people in their sixties and seventies. Surely there must be another option. I did not take this well, as a young man I always dreamed of one day being able to play men’s football with my son, as I am so passionate about the sport. Dreams now dashed due to the state of my ankle and impending treatment. It hit me hard but when Mr Malik told me that if I did not have the fusion soon, in a couple of years the ankle would be so deformed his only option would be to put a metal rod into the bottom of my foot up into the leg. As you can imagine my focus changed quickly. I had the operation on February 17th 2015, in plaster for 14 weeks then a boot for a further 4 weeks. Getting mobile again by the middle of June. I was back cycling and down the gym by the end of June. At the gym I would stick to the cross trainer and the bike where there was little impact on the ankle. I did not have any problems at all. I have recently come back from a weekend away at the Cotswolds where I surprised myself by going on a 9 mile walk. Something that I could never have achieved before the operation. I can walk again without pain! This to me was fantastic! Ankle fusion! It’s not that bad! In fact it’s rather good! OK I didn’t get the magic bullet that I was hoping for, but guess what. I have had the next best thing. Thank you Mr Malik from the bottom of my heart. Good Job!"
David Jackson
21 October, 2015
"Thank you so much Mr Malik and team for the excellent operation on my toes. It is early days but I am feeling much better and without pain now. I can now look forward to wearing a shoe. You have been so good throughout the whole process and I am once again so grateful. God bless."
Mrs Maureen Sellar
20 October, 2015
"On 13th of August 2015 Mr Malik carried out the above procedure. After surgery, Mr Malik came to see me in recovery to reassure me that the operation was a success, and commented that I had an "interesting toe". A very euphemistic way of describing my severely deformed toe, ravaged by severe degenerative osteoarthritis. 6 weeks after surgery I was able to wear sensible shoes and walk about. Last week we had a wonderful time at Centre Parc, with our very energetic 4 year old Granddaughter. It was wonderful to feel like my " old self " again. There is almost no scaring on the incision site and it has healed so well. I had been a teacher for over 40 years, and since retirement l have had both hips and a knee joint replaced. I am so grateful to Mr Malik (and his team) for the excellent work on my foot, and his care before and after surgery. I hope that this is my final orthopaedic operation and at last I can enjoy retirement."
Jacqueline Williams
09 September, 2015
"For some time I suffered pain and a lack of mobility in my left ankle, I gained limited success from physiotherapy. On referral to Mr Malik the problem was explained to me in plain english and the solution outlined, I required a Zadeks procedure for Achilles insertional tendinopathy. 3 months later I am walking with confidence and without pain or restriction. The procedure and recovery were aided by the professionalism and reassuring personality of Mr Malik and his support team. A big, big thank you, I have my mobility back. TonyO'"
Thomas O'Sullivan
10 August, 2015
"I am a 67 year old woman who loves to walk, play golf and travel but for the last few years have had increasing pain and discomfort in my feet which was affecting my ability to do the things I love. I asked around about foot specialists and Mr Maliks name was given as a strong recommendation. I visited him and he xrayed my feet and discussed with me the 2 operations that were required. The first one for the bunion was to be pinned and he explained how I needed someone to help me for a few weeks as I absolutely must elevate my feet at different levels for 6 weeks, in particular the first 2 wks when it has to be raised above the heart night and day! He explained unless I agreed to do my share of the work by doing as I was told it would not work. So I went away and thought about the situation, then arranged to see him again and fix the due date for the operation. I had the procedure done on 2/4/15 and all went well. I was given crutches and a special shoe and sent home. I was lucky and had no real pain and did exactly as I was told. Unfortunately I developed a minor reaction to soluable stitches but that was sorted on my 2 wk follow up appointment. I went back after another 4 wks and had a few wks to do some hydro therapy in a pool and then on 23/6/15, I went back for a fusion on my big toe on the left foot. Again all went well and I had nylon stitches this time so no problems. I had pain for a couple of days but had been given tablets to sort that out and had to keep the foot elevated again but this time I could not put my left foot down for 6 wks so it was quite awkward, but as I had the operations done in the summer at least I could sit in the garden to pass away the time. You really do need someone to help you during this time as you are quite helpless! The whole experience has been testing in as far as your lack of capacity to do things, but I am sure it was a great decision as these things only get worse if not treated. I think Mr Malik has been brilliant in his treatment and lovely friendly manner. I still have a while before I can really get back to normal but it is August 10 th now and I am walking around on both feet and will start physio soon and next year look forward to enjoying the rest of my life. I think it is important to remember to do exactly as Mr Malik instructs you, also to consider when you want it done as it takes a few months to recover and make sure you have someone to help you through the whole experience."
Mary Walker
Orthopaedic Outpatient Department 30 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 6PU
tel: +44 (0) 203 7956053
Mon - Fri (8am-8pm) Sat (9am - 5pm)
info@lfaclinic.co.uk
