Patient Testimonials

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.

08 August, 2015

Osteoarthritis in my left ankle - treated with Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion

"I like to walk and was experiencing increasing discomfort when exercising friend's dogs and even when doing my lollypop job for the local council. During my last week I am afraid I was having to drag my leg across the road while attending the school children. Mr Malik assured me that ankle fusion would deal with the problem and that I would be able to walk again without pain. As a christian I put my trust in Mr Malik and God. I am 77 and there is an element of risk but by following all the instructions I knew it would eventually turn out right. I went in on December 16th 2014 and Mr Malik and his team made it happen. My wife helped by ensuring good dietary practice weeks before the operation and subsequently for many months. I followed all the instructions like having my foot raised above my heart for long periods. The pain did not seem to be in a hurry to leave me but was controllable. Mr Malik arranged for follow up tests to ensure that all was going to plan. At my last appointment in June 2015 I was advised that the x-rays showed perfect fusion. I continue with walking in the swimming pool daily during the week and follow the instructions of the physiotherapist who is getting me back to walking correctly. It will take time because I am 77 but I expect full mobility by the end of the year. Strangely there are no marks from the surgery which I am told is because keyhole surgery was applied. It is quite amazing. My ankle still swells up but this is a temporary issue. I am back at work now doing my lollypop job which I enjoy enormously. Can't wait for the new term in September. I would commend the entire team for what they have done for me; whether it be the referal by my GP Dr. Sutton to Mr. Malik and subsequently the physiotherapists at Stoke Mandeville. I owe you all a huge thank you. Now is the time to do my bit and look after my ankle."

Brian Kennedy

07 August, 2015

Left ankle Arthritis : Treated with a total ankle replacement

"I have Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in most of my joints, I had already had a right hip replacement but had been getting terrible pain in my left ankle for some time. My Rheumatologist had injected it for me a couple of times and sent me for physio. Nothing seemed to help much, I was then given a large boot to wear and had another injection (this time ultrasound guided). It was getting worse and I couldn't put weight on it without the boot. I plodded around in my boot for nearly a year, the pain never eased, it was there day and night ........ Then I was lucky enough to be referred to Mr Malik and I am so pleased I was. Mr Malik explained all that was wrong, what he could do and talked me all through it. I had my total ankle replacement about 2 years ago in the Trauma and orthopaedic unit in High Wycombe hospital. I had been told beforehand that if they couldn't do a total replacement I would have it fused. I didn't want a general so had the spinal injection (best thing in my opinion) No horrible after effects from the anaesthetic. My leg was plastered in the operating theatre, with an opening at the front where it was stitched. I went home two days later with and was told not to weight bare for 12 weeks, hopping on the other leg was quite hard as I can't use crutches (due to shoulder problems) I did have a bit of a problem with the plaster cast, it dug into the bottom of my foot and cause a large sore that did take a while to heal, but that was nothing compared to what I had been going through before. Mr Malik was brilliant and saw me almost every week till the sore healed. Once the stitches and plaster were removed, I had to wear the boot for a little while longer and have physio, I also had some hydrotherapy for it. I have a lot of other ongoing problems with my joints but my ankle is absolutely brilliant and I can't thank Mr Malik enough for all he has done. I have since had a knee replaced too but by a different surgeon, I have had no pain at all in my new ankle. I do hope I don't have to have any more operations on my feet or ankles, but if I ever do. I hope I have Mr Malik, nothing is too much trouble, he has a wonderful manner and above all is a brilliant surgeon Thank you Mr Malik for all you have done for me, I will be forever grateful."

Heather Llewellyn

21 July, 2015

1st MTP joint fusion for severe arthritis and 2nd toe relocation for dislocated 2nd toe

"In December 2014 after seeing Mr Malik I decided to go ahead with the operation. February 2015 the operation was successfully done. Felt good - two weeks in bed with foot raised (I was a very good girl), but on removing dressing I had a fungal infection - just one of those things. Dealing with situations when they are going well is easy. Dealing with situations when they appear not to be going well tests the resolve of the patient and consultant. All I can say was I had immediate attention and everything was then back on track. Two weeks later yet another infection - it was a roller coaster ride but again a combination of good nurses, good consultant and a co-operative patient meant that we all got back on track for the second time. Six weeks hopping around or in a wheel chair was not pleasant but the result was good. It is now July, physio and hydro therapy finished last month I am now doing almost everything I was doing before except long walks but this is coming. Swelling a problem with shoes, glad its summertime. Thank-you Mr Malik and the team."

Joan Blunden

13 July, 2015

Bunion, overlapping toes and infected hammer toe

"A year ago I had been suffering for some time with an infected hammer toe, together with a bad bunion and overlapping toes. Walking had become painful, and I had put off seeking help due to apprehension of painful surgery. On my very first referral to Mr Malik I was made to feel totally at ease, and that all was completely solvable. Mr Malik explained exactly what needed to be done and presented a clear plan of action. He was courteous and professional, and I came out of the meeting feeling confident and relieved that all was finally in capable hands. I had my operation on 21st July 2014. I did need 6 weeks off work, mainly with an elevated foot above heart, but on all occasions when communicating and seeing Mr Malik, he has been extremely affable, becoming a good friend. I would definitely recommend Mr Malik without hesitation, but more importantly, if you are suffering with similar symptoms, don't wait until it gets unbearable, seek advice now, as it could be simpler than you expect. I have now been completely recovered for some time with only minor after effects (slight numbness in my middle toe), but no more pain or sores. Brilliant. Thank you Mr Malik."

Nick Krolik

29 June, 2015

Achilles tendinopathy and other related issues.

"Having broken my ankle about 20 years ago playing netball, I have suffered with ligament issues on and off for years. Recently the pain has become much worse and was not being resolved despite physio and painkillers. My first meeting with Mr Malik was wonderful. Within minutes he seemed to have worked out what was wrong, he explained clearly what he thought and had 'a plan'. Whilst my ankle treatment is still on-going, I would like to thank Mr Malik for his kindness and understanding. Not only did he take the time to explain his 'plan' and to reassure me, he also was incredibly thoughtful, caring and supportive when other issues arose."

Liz Pilgrim