FOOT SURGEON MELBOURNE

Mr Troy Keith – MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Orth), FAOrthA

24% of Australians over the age of 45 experience foot or ankle pain.

Source – National Library of Medicine 2022.

Mr Troy Keith

Foot & Ankle Surgery – A Patient’s Guide

Mr Troy Keith – Foot Surgeon Melbourne:

“Your foot and ankle contain 28 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments.
A foot injury or deformity can significantly affect your daily activities and quality of life.”

0 Years
Over 23 years of surgical experience.
0 Years
7 years of specialist training.

Learn more about the key questions and answers in relation to foot and ankle surgery, by accessing the buttons below:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Visit our frequently asked questions section to find answers to common questions about foot & ankle surgery, including:

  • Should I get a second opinion before foot surgery?

  • Does seeing a foot surgeon mean I need foot surgery?

  • How successful is foot and ankle surgery?

  • How is pain managed during and after surgery?

  • Is foot surgery covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance?

  • Do I need a referral to see a foot surgeon?

  • Will I need crutches after foot surgery?

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A SPECIALIST FOOT SURGEON?

Consider seeing a foot and ankle surgeon if you have persistent pain, restricted movement or difficulty walking that has not improved with initial or conservative treatment.

You may benefit from specialist assessment if you have:

  • Persistent foot or ankle pain

  • A bunion or other toe deformity

  • Recurrent ankle sprains or instability

  • Arthritis affecting the foot or ankle

  • An Achilles tendon injury or rupture

  • A fracture of the foot or ankle

  • Pain that limits exercise, work or everyday activities

  • Difficulty finding comfortable footwear

  • A deformity that is becoming progressively worse

  • Ongoing pain following a previous injury or surgery

  • A sports-related foot or ankle injury.

A professional assessment can help establish the cause of your symptoms, and determine whether conservative treatment or surgery is most appropriate.

DO ALL FOOT PROBLEMS REQUIRE SURGERY?

No. Foot surgery is usually only recommended when conservative treatments are no longer effective, and the benefits out-weigh the risks in the individuals diagnosis and circumstances. Surgery may only be one part of foot and ankle treatment.

Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, treatment may include:

  • Physiotherapy

  • Orthotics

  • Activity modification

  • Footwear modification

  • Lifestyle changes

  • Bracing or supportive footwear

  • Medication

  • Injections

  • Exercise and rehabilitation

For some conditions, a period of non-surgical treatment is recommended before considering an operation. The aim is to identify the treatment that is most appropriate for your condition, symptoms and lifestyle rather than recommending surgery simply because it is available.

COMMON TYPES OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY

Foot and ankle surgery encompasses many different procedures. The appropriate operation depends on the underlying condition.

Common surgeries include:

Bunion Surgery – Bunion surgery aims to correct the alignment of the big toe and the associated deformity. Different surgical techniques may be used depending on the severity and characteristics of the bunion.

Arthritis Surgery – Arthritis affecting the foot or ankle can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Treatment may include joint-preserving procedures, fusion or, in selected patients, ankle replacement.

Fracture Surgery – Some foot and ankle fractures can be treated without surgery. Others require an operation to restore alignment, stability and help the bones heal in an appropriate position.

Ankle Fracture Foot Surgery Melbourne

Ankle Replacement – Total ankle replacement can be an alternative to ankle fusion for selected patients with severe ankle arthritis. The aim is to reduce pain while preserving movement in the ankle.

Tendon and Ligament Surgery – Surgery may be required for selected Achilles tendon ruptures, significant ligament injuries, tendon disorders or persistent ankle instability.

Reconstructive Foot Surgery – Complex reconstructive procedures may be required to correct deformity, restore alignment, improve stability or address advanced arthritis or previous injury.

Mr Troy Keith

WHEN IS FOOT SURGERY RECOMMENDED?

Mr Troy Keith MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Orth), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon.

Foot surgery may be considered when pain, deformity, instability or loss of function is significantly affecting your quality of life and non-surgical treatment has not provided sufficient improvement.

The decision to proceed with surgery depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Your diagnosis

  • Severity of your symptoms

  • Impact on your daily activities

  • Your general health

  • Previous treatment

  • Your expectations and goals

  • The likely benefits and risks of surgery.

Your surgeon will discuss the available treatment options with you so that you can make an informed decision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A FOOT CONSULTATION?

Your first consultation will generally begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, how they developed and how they affect your everyday life.

Your surgeon may discuss and assess your:

  • Medical history

  • Your walking pattern

  • Foot and ankle alignment

  • Joint movement

  • Strength and stability

  • Areas of tenderness

  • Previous injuries or surgery

  • Footwear and activity requirements

  • Apropiate imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI.

Once your diagnosis has been established, your surgeon will discuss treatment options with you. This may include continuing with non-surgical treatment or considering surgery.

PATIENT CARE PROCESS – MR. TROY KEITH
Learn more about Mr Keith’s approach to your care:

1. First Appointment

Referral, consultation & testing.

2. Diagnosis

Diagnosis & treatment options.

3. Treatment Plan

Non-operative & operative.

4. Follow up & care plan

Monitoring, pain relief & care.

WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU NEED FOOT SURGERY?

Mr Troy Keith MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Orth), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon

If surgery is recommended

If surgery is recommended, your surgeon will explain the proposed procedure and why it is being considered.

Your surgeon will discuss with you:

  • What the operation involves

  • The expected benefits

  • Potential risks and complications

  • Anaesthesia

  • Hospital or day-surgery arrangements

  • Weight-bearing restrictions

  • Use of crutches or other walking aids

  • Rehabilitation

  • Expected recovery time

  • When you may return to work, driving and sport.

Recovery varies considerably between different foot and ankle operations. Your surgeon will provide condition-specific advice based on the procedure you are having.

FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery times vary depending on the type of foot or ankle surgery. Your surgeon will provide personalised advice about your expected recovery and rehabilitation.

A typical recovery timeline for major foot or ankle surgery is as follows:

Timeline – After surgery Description
0 to 2 weeks Your foot will be in a splint to help protect it and allow your surgical wound to heal.
2 to 6 weeks You will start physiotherapy to help regain ankle mobility and strength. You will wear a moon boot during the day and ankle brace at night.
3 months Most patients return to straight line running.
4 months Most patients commence agility training.
5 to 6 months Most patients return to contact sports.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

With any operation there are potential risks. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury or blood clots

  • Wound-healing problems

  • Stiffness

  • Pain

  • Problems with bone healing

Your surgeon will discuss with you in detail the potential complications and risks in relation to the surgery.

Mr Troy Keith

FOOT SURGEON MELBOURNE
Mr Troy Keith MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Orth), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon.

If you have any questions please contact my team:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

Foot Surgery Melbourne – See below regarding faq’s:

Coverage depends on the procedure, your circumstances, Medicare eligibility and whether you have private health insurance. There may also be out-of-pocket costs associated with surgery, hospital care, anaesthesia, imaging or other services. The practice can provide information about fees and the relevant arrangements before treatment.

A second opinion can be useful if you are uncertain about your diagnosis or treatment options, particularly when major surgery is being considered. It can provide another perspective and help you make an informed decision.

No. A consultation with a foot surgeon is an opportunity to establish the cause of your symptoms and discuss your treatment options. Many foot and ankle conditions can be managed without surgery.

Referral requirements can depend on your circumstances and whether you are seeking a Medicare rebate. Your GP or referring practitioner can advise whether a referral is appropriate for your appointment.

During the procedure – Pain is managed with a combination of anaesthesia, nerve blocks and pain-relieving medications.

After surgery – Foot elevation and ice may also help reduce pain and swelling after the surgery. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss your individual pain-management plan and provide instructions for the days and weeks following surgery that may include prescription and over the counter pain medicine.

Some discomfort, swelling and stiffness are expected after foot and ankle surgery. Pain is often most noticeable during the first few days and should gradually improve as healing progresses.

Pain relief may include a combination of:

  • Paracetamol and other appropriate pain-relieving medicines
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, where suitable for the individual patient
  • Short-term stronger pain medication, if required
  • Nerve blocks, which can continue providing pain relief after surgery
  • Elevation and ice, where recommended, to help reduce swelling and discomfort

Keeping the operated foot elevated, particularly during the early stages of recovery, can help manage swelling and discomfort.

Physiotherapy may form an important part of rehabilitation following some foot and ankle procedures. Your requirements will depend on your surgery, mobility and recovery.

This depends on the operation. Some procedures allow weight-bearing relatively early, while others require a period of partial or complete non-weight-bearing. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for your procedure.

Bunion surgery is generally considered when a bunion causes significant pain, difficulty with footwear or functional limitations and non-surgical measures have not provided sufficient relief. The appearance of a bunion alone does not necessarily mean surgery is required.

Some foot and ankle procedures can be performed as day surgery, allowing you to return home the same day. More complex operations may require an overnight or longer hospital stay. Your surgeon will advise you about the expected arrangements for your particular procedure.

You may need crutches or another walking aid following some foot and ankle procedures, particularly if you are required to limit or avoid putting weight on the operated foot. The length of time will depend on the type of surgery and your individual recovery.

Outcomes vary considerably depending on the condition, procedure and individual patient. The aim of surgery is generally to reduce pain, improve stability or alignment and improve function. Your surgeon will discuss the expected benefits and limitations of the proposed procedure rather than guaranteeing a particular result.

Read more about ankle injuries at John Hopkins Medicine.

Melbourne Foot Surgeon
Mr Troy Keith – Foot & Ankle Surgeon

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact my team:

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Foot Surgeon Melbourne

Mr Keith consults to patients from all over Melbourne in relation to foot and ankle treatments. Mr Keith consults with patients at the following practice locations in Melbourne including Armadale, Heidelberg and in Shepparton, country Victoria.